Brian L. Cowles, age 73 of Battle Creek, died Monday, January 30, 2012. He was born August 29, 1938 in Battle Creek, Michigan the son of Easel and Dorothery (Allerton) Cowles. Brian was a 1956 graduate of Battle Creek Central High School and served in the Air Force from 1957 until 1961, stationed in England at the Royal Air Force Base, Greenhan Common, Birkshire County, England. Following his discharge, he served seven years of duty in the Air National Guard in Security Police. Brian was employed by the State of Michigan as a Fire and Safety Officer at the Battle Creek Air National Guard Base until his retirement in 1998. He later was employed at Auto Zone until 2003. Brian had served as a Boy Scout Master, President of the Wilder Creek Conservation Club, was a member of the Governing Council of Michigan Longbow Association, member of the Christian Longbow Association and Michigan Traditional Bowhunters, and was a Life Member of the National Rifle Association. He was a member The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and had a love for Blue Grass music. On February 3, 1979, he was married to the former Rose Marie (Savord), who survives. Also surviving are his son: Antony Stewart Cowles of Elkhart, IN; six step-children: Joan Marie (Glenn) Watson of Surprise, AZ, Victoria (Dan) Laupp of Marshall, Paul Van Goethem of Homer, Peter (Judy) Van Goethem of Battle Creek, Anthony Van Goethem of Phoenix, AZ and Andy Wolcott of Salt Lake City, UT; seven grandchildren: Catilyn Cowles, Vince Laupp, Jennifer Wood, Michael Laupp, Amy Laupp, Josh Van Goethem and James Van Goethem; eight great-grandchildren: four brothers: Lynn (Sandy) Cowles of Vicksburg, Jonathon (Terri) Cowles of Gwinn, Jimmie Cowles of Trout Creek and Fred Cowles of Ionia. He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother Corwin Cowles. Funeral services will be held 11:30 a.m. Monday at the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints with interment to follow at Fort Custer National Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the Richard A. Henry Funeral Home on Sunday from 2:00 to 4:00 and 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. and also one hour prior to the service at the church. Memorial contributions may be given to the Boy Scouts of America.
