Jay Warren Cowguill

Jay Warren Cowguill

Marion

Jay Warren Cowguill, 96, of Marion, Iowa, and formerly of Packwood, Iowa, passed away on Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022, at The Views Senior Living in Marion, Iowa. Funeral services will begin at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 8, 2022, at the Prairie View United Methodist Church with Pastor Steve Lamb officiating. Burial will be held in the Packwood Cemetery immediately following the service. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 8, 2022, at the church and will last until the time of service. The service will be livestreamed on the Prairie View Methodist Church website at prairieviewchurch-iowa.org.

Jay Warren Cowguill was born on May 3, 1926, the son of Jess and Hazel Moorman Cowguill. He grew up on the family farm near Packwood, Iowa, and attended and graduated from Packwood High School. Upon graduation he briefly attended Iowa State University before returning home to the family farm to help his father. During a chance meeting in Sigourney, Iowa, Jay met the love of his life, Mary Tinkham. The two were united in marriage on Sept. 3, 1950, at the Christian Church in Cameron, IL. This would be the first chapter in a story that lasted 72 years. Jay passed away on the morning of their 72nd wedding anniversary. At the start of the Korean War Jay entered the United States Army where he was a weapon instructor. He proudly served his country until his honorable discharge in April of 1953. He returned home to Packwood where he and Mary began their family, becoming the proud parents of two boys, David and Curt. He and Mary worked side by side on their row crop and livestock operation and even though it kept them busy, Jay always remained active in his community and his church. He was a member of the Soybean Association, Lions Club, and served as president of Farm Bureau. Jay was instrumental in the building of the Prairie View United Methodist Church at their current location. When he had time away from the farm you might find him refereeing a local basketball game. Jay was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend who will deeply missed by his family and the many friends he made along the way.

Jay was preceded in death by his parents and three sisters, Margaret Brust, Mary Clark, and Ruth Gross.

Left to share his story is his living wife, Mary Cowguill of Marion, Iowa; two sons, David (Gloria) Cowguill of Marion, Iowa, and Curt, Cowguill of Pittsburg, Kan.; one grandson, Andrew Cowguill, as well as many extended family and friends.

Memorial contributions in Jay’s honor may be directed to the Prairie View United Methodist Church, the Packwood Christian Church or to the Alzheimer’s Association (www.alz.org) and may be mailed to 4255 REC Drive, Marion, IA 52302. Friends may leave online condolences at www.cranstonfamilyfuneralhome.com.

The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to the staff of The Views Senior Living in Marion for the care and compassion they have shown over the years.