He was a 1947 graduate of Perry Central High School. He enlisted in the Marine Corp at age 17 and was a decorated Korean War Veteran. Merle returned to Perry where many of his professions/accomplishments were to occur. He was a member of the Perry Center Volunteer Fire Department (age16). Crop and dairy farmer, custom crop harvesting, bulldozing (he loved building ponds), carpenter, pilot, crop-duster and was a member of the American Legion and Civil Air Patrol. Upon retiring, Merle spent time residing in both New York and Arizona, taking advantage of the best weather. His many hobbies included hunting, flying, painting, watching Buffalo Bills football, restoring Farmall tractors, building jigsaw puzzles and being a general prankster.
He is survived by his 5 children: Merle (Sassy) Cowie Jr. of Byhalia, MS., Merleen Hilley of Punta Gorda, FL., Marleen (Steve) Cowie-Smith of Perry, Marty (Linda) Cowie of Phoenix, AZ., Michelle (Tony) Dukes of Pittsford; a sister Anna Page of Perry; brother Philip (Barb) Cowie of Perry, former wife/mother of his children: Marge (Hance) Cowie of Warsaw, along with many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and friends.
Family and friends may call from 4-7:30 pm on Tuesday October 10, 2017 at Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main Street Perry, New York 14530. A Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday October 11th at 4:30pm at the First Congregational Church 7205 Perry Center Rd. in Perry Center. He will be laid to rest in the Prospect Hill Cemetery in Perry Center.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Perry Center Fire Department P.O. Box 204 Perry, NY 14530 or to the First Congregational Church P.O. Box 156 Perry, NY 14530. For more information please call (585) 237-2626 or to leave a message of condolence visit www.eatonwatsonfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main Street Perry, New York
