Obituary of Merwin I. "Curley" Cowles

PLATTSBURGH and COLTON, NY—No services are planned for 92 year old Merwin "Curley" Cowles, a resident of Caitlin Way, Plattsburgh and formerly of Colton. Burial will be held at a later date in St. Peter's Cemetery, Plattsburgh. Mr. Cowles passed away Friday, July 21, 2017 at the Meadowbrook Health Care Center in Plattsburgh with his family at his side. Merwin is survived by his wife of 69 years, Mary, Plattsburgh; his daughter, Lucinda L. and Stephen Allen, Plattsburgh; his two granddaughters, Cassie L. and Michael Mooney, Morrisonville; Carrie Ann and Clifford Germain, Plattsburgh and one great granddaughter, Allyson Germain, Plattsburgh. Mr. Cowles is also survived by two brothers, Everett Cowles, Edwards; Malcolm Cowles, North Carolina and a sister, Mary-Beth Hodge, Copenhagen as well as several nieces and nephews. Merwin is pre-deceased by a brother, Milton "Mickey" Cowles and two sisters, Eva Pooler and Lena Delosh. Born in Rodman, NY on July 1, 1925 to the late Everett and Ella Mae Sixberry Cowles, Merwin worked in the construction field most of his life. He was superintendent of Fisher-Rexford Construction in Colton for 18 years and was self-employed as the owner of Northern Land Builders, constructing and renovating many homes and businesses in the area. Along with his reputation as an accomplished builder, Merwin built and operated "The Hut", a Polynesian theme cocktail lounge in Colton from 1967 through the 1980's. Merwin was a decorated WWII combat veteran serving with the 2nd Marine Division Amphibious Assault Group form 1943-1946. He participated in heavy combat during the campaign to take Saipan and Okinawa, Japan. Mr. Cowles enjoyed woodworking and participating in various veteran activities in Clinton County. He was a member of the American Legion of Plattsburgh and a member of the first group of veterans to participate in the North Country Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. Memories and condolences may be shared online at www.buckfuneralhome.com . The Buck Funeral Home in Colton is serving the family of Merwin I. "Curley" Cowles.