Richard Webster Cowles, Lt. Col, Ret., 88, of Irvine, CA, beloved husband of 66 years of the late Adrianne Cowles, died unexpectedly Thursday, March 25, 2021, at his home. He was born October 22, 1932 in Hartford, CT, son of the late Rollin Whitfield and Jessie (Webster) Cowles and had lived in California for nearly 44 years. He was a graduate of University of Vermont Class of 1954, having received his Bachelors Degree in Civil Engineering. Richard was a veteran of the U. S. Army having served in the Vietnam War and had retired from the Army as Lieutenant Colonel in 1976. During Richard’s time in the service, he and Adrianne lived in many areas of the world, including Washington, Connecticut, Arizona, New Jersey, England, Germany, Kansas, Virginia and even Alaska. Following his retirement from the U. S. Army Richard he joined Fluor/Alyeska Pipeline and was assigned to the Alaskan Pipeline in Valdez, AK and once this job completed, he continued with Flour Corp in Irvine, CA and retired in 1995. He was a member of Old St. Andrews Episcopal Church in Bloomfield and Trinity Episcopal Church in Tariffville while in Connecticut and was a member for over 43 years of the University United Methodist Church in Irvine, CA and held many leadership positions as well as bible study classes. Richard enjoyed his retirement by cruising with Adrianne as well as spending time with his kids and grandkids, being a boy scout leader, traveling, camping, fishing, singing in the California Promise Chorus for over 20 years, enjoyed going to the Performing Arts Center with Adrianne, skiing, ice skating into his 70’s, diving into the family genealogy and writing a published book, studying history, talking politics and having coffee with his friends.

He is survived by his children, Roger Cowles and wife Susan Lucarelli of Tucson, AZ, Laura Reyes and husband William of Irvine, CA and Sharon Martin of Palos Verdes, CA; his sister Sue Jones of Longwood, FL, and Patricia Cowles of Simsbury, CT his grandchildren, David and Michael Lucarelli-Cowles, Caroline and Andrew Reyes and Julia, Emily, Jessica and Rosemary Martin. Richard was predeceased by infant son, David Allen Cowles, his brother Roger W. Cowles, son-in-law, Christopher Mark Martin, and brother-in-law Robert Jones. He was the rock of our family, loved by many, and will be missed by all who knew him.

A private graveside service will be held in Old. St. Andrew Cemetery in Bloomfield. Donations in his memory may be made to Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516. The Vincent Funeral Home of Simsbury is caring for the arrangements. Please visit Richard’s “Book of Memories” at www.vincentfuneralhome.com for online tributes.