Richard H. Mccowen
October 11, 1918 — October 21, 2005
Richard Henry McCowen, age 87, was freed from all pain and suffering on Friday, October 21, 2005 at the Heritage Assisted Living Facility. He was born October 11, 1918 on a ranch in Elida, New Mexico to Ruth Tillinghast and Henry C. McCowen. Richard attended Elida Public Schools and was a graduate of New Mexico A & M, now New Mexico Sate University. He earned an ROTC commission...
Richard Henry McCowen, age 87, was freed from all pain and suffering on Friday, October 21, 2005 at the Heritage Assisted Living Facility. He was born October 11, 1918 on a ranch in Elida, New Mexico to Ruth Tillinghast and Henry C. McCowen. Richard attended Elida Public Schools and was a graduate of New Mexico A & M, now New Mexico Sate University. He earned an ROTC commission and was called to active duty in February, 1942. He was with the 79th Infantry Division and was wounded at the invasion of Normandy in World War II. After spending many months in Army hospitals, he was retired from the Army. He returned to Las Cruces and worked in the business community, retiring from the New Mexico Bureau of Taxation and Revenue in 1985. Throughout his life, Dick was active in Las Cruces and Town of Mesilla community affairs. He was well known for his good-natured tenacity when selling candy or brooms for the Las Cruces Lions Club, or for raising money to support Mesilla Valley Habitat for Humanity. He was a lifelong active member of the Methodist Church, and an avid "gentleman farmer". Richard McCowen will be remembered for his good nature, tireless service to others, and quiet compassion and caring for those he loved and cared about. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Velma Lowry McCowen; son Dr. David McCowen and wife Linda of Gig Harbor, Washington; daughters Margaret of Albuquerque and Leah Putman of Las Cruces; five grandchildren; and a sister Frances Bur...
Richard Henry McCowen, age 87, was freed from all pain and suffering on Friday, October 21, 2005 at the Heritage Assisted Living Facility. He was born October 11, 1918 on a ranch in Elida, New Mexico to Ruth Tillinghast and Henry C. McCowen. Richard attended Elida Public Schools and was a graduate of New Mexico A & M, now New Mexico Sate University. He earned an ROTC commission and was called to active duty in February, 1942. He was with the 79th Infantry Division and was wounded at the invasion of Normandy in World War II. After spending many months in Army hospitals, he was retired from the Army. He returned to Las Cruces and worked in the business community, retiring from the New Mexico Bureau of Taxation and Revenue in 1985. Throughout his life, Dick was active in Las Cruces and Town of Mesilla community affairs. He was well known for his good-natured tenacity when selling candy or brooms for the Las Cruces Lions Club, or for raising money to support Mesilla Valley Habitat for Humanity. He was a lifelong active member of the Methodist Church, and an avid "gentleman farmer". Richard McCowen will be remembered for his good nature, tireless service to others, and quiet compassion and caring for those he loved and cared about. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Velma Lowry McCowen; son Dr. David McCowen and wife Linda of Gig Harbor, Washington; daughters Margaret of Albuquerque and Leah Putman of Las Cruces; five grandchildren; and a sister Frances Burkett of Clovis, New Mexico. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Dan McCowen. Visitation will be on Tuesday, October 25, 2005 from 5 to 7 PM at Getz Funeral Home. Services will be at St. Paul's United Methodist Church on Wednesday, October 26, at 1:30 p.m. followed by graveside services at the Hillcrest Memorial Gardens Mausoleum, with Rev. Gorton Smith officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to Habitat for Humanity, P.O. 3484, Las Cruces 88003; or to Mesilla Valley Hospice 299 E. Montana, Las Cruces, 88005. PDF Printable Version
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