LEON "JOHN" COWDERY obituary

Leon "John" Cowdery, 58, died Saturday Jan. 17, 2004, at a Havre hospital of liver failure.

A Vigil service will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Holland and Bonine Funeral Chapel for family and close friends. A funeral Mass will be held Thursday at 11 a.m. at the St. Jude Parrish Center with the Rev. Robert D. Grosch officiating. Burial will be at Highland Cemetery in Havre following the Mass. A fellowship reception will be held at the parrish center following the graveside service.

John was born Jan. 25, 1945, in Long Prairie, Minn. to Ernest and Marie (Tesch) Cowdery. In 1950 he moved to Chinook with his family and attended school in the Chinook area. In 1960 the family moved to Great Falls. He attended school in Great Falls and graduated in 1963 from Great Falls High School.

In 1964 he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served for four years. While he was aboard the USS Independence as an electrician's mate 3rd class, the ship was deployed off the coast of Vietnam. He received an honorable discharge in February 1968 and returned to Montana, settling in Havre.

In 1972 he married Therese Hiatt, and the couple had three children. In 1968 he began employment with the Havre public school system. On Oct. 7, 2003, he was recognized for 35 years of faithful service. He continued his employment until his illness would not allow him to continue.

John's hobbies were his grandchildren, listening to music, and working in the garden and tomato patch.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest and Marie Cowdery; a daughter, Elena Cowdery; and a brother, Joel Cowdery.

He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Therese Cowdery of Havre; daughters, Carrie Wilson, of Havre, Leah (Jeremy) Hansen of Havre; a close cousin, Joan Myers of Havre; and four grandchildren.

Memorials in John's honor may be made to the St. Jude School Financial Aid Fund, 420 Seventh Ave., Havre, MT 59501; the Havre-Hill County Library Children's Program, 402 Third St., Havre, MT 59501; or to a charity of a person's choice. Services and arrangements are under the direction of Holland and Bonine Funeral Home in Havre.