Winfield Jay "Bill" Cowger

Winfield Jay "Bill" Cowger, 71, passed away at his home on Saturday, March 8, 2014 with his wife by his side. Bill was born on August 19, 1942 in Sutherland, Nebraska. He was raised in North Platte, Nebraska. While in High School, he was a meat cutter for Safeway. In 1961, he joined the U.S. Army Reserves and at the time of discharge in 1966, he was a Sgt. E5, and Ammo Handler with a Sharp Shooter Badge. In 1963, he started working for the UPRR. He retired in 2005 after 42 years. He married Linda Gardner in 1967 and they divorced in 1984. He then married Bea Winslow in 1984 and they would have celebrated their 30 th anniversary in September. Bill was a Christian. He enjoyed gardening, yard work, remodeling and wood work. He refurbished his 1967 Mustang and was happiest when he was helping others. Bill is survived by his wife, Bea Cowger, Pocatello, ID; three daughters, Cathi (Brett) Johnson, Idaho Falls, ID, Christy (Joe) Reardon, Bradford, N.H, Camille (Sam Clark) Cowger, Pocatello, ID; one son, Matthew (Rachael) Cowger, Idaho Falls, ID; one sister, Wanda (Ron) Malone, O'fallon, MO; two step-sons, Tom (Chris) Winslow, St. Cloud, FL, Ken (Cathy) Winslow, Murfreesboro, TN, and 8 grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, Winfield C. and Bernice C. Cowger. A memorial service for Bill will be held on Friday, March 14, 2014 at 2 PM at Colonial Funeral Home, 2005 S. 4th Ave. Pocatello. 208-233-1500. Friends may gather from 1:30 PM until the time of the service at the funeral home. Burial will follow at a later date at Fort McPherson National Cemetery in Maxwell, Nebraska. Condolences can be made to the family online at www.colonial-funeralhome.com