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William Carlton Cowles Sr. of Gloversville, passed away at the age of 85 years on Saturday, March 20, 2010, at the Nathan Littauer Extended Care Facility. He was born in Johnstown on December 22, 1924, son of the late Miles and Gwendola (Wilson) Cowles. He was educated in the Gloversville Enlarged School District and proudly served his country in the United States Army and was stationed in Okinawa during WWII. On December 30, 1949, Bill married Lena Dorn and they shared 60 years of marriage. He was employed with the Gloversville Police Department in the 1960s and General Electric Company in Schenectady for forty years as a machine repair foreman. He was a lifelong member of St. Patrick's Masonic Lodge No. 4 in Johnstown and the Tryon Amateur Radio Club. Bill was an avid carpenter and machinist-there was nothing he couldn't build. He was also dedicated to community service through his volunteerism with the Boy Scouts and Project Reach, plus he traveled to the Dominican Republic to help build a much-needed school.

In addition to his wife of 60 years, Bill is survived by: 3 sons and 1 daughter, William C. Cowles Jr. (Kim) of Gloversville, David W. Cowles of Gloversville, Stephen M. Cowles (Sarah Rowback) of Johnstown, Diane Mansmith of Gloversville. He is also survived by: 6 grandchildren, Joshua Mansmith (Sara), Jessica Derrick (Craig), George Cowles, William C. Cowles III, Christina Sitts (Michael) and Nathan Cowles; plus 4 great-grandchildren, Connor Sitts, Griffen, Jillian, and Carson Mansmith; and 1 sister, Patricia A. Darling of Texas. Bill was preceded in death by his parents and 2 brothers, John Cowles and Richard Cowles.

Friends and relatives are invited to call 4 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, March 24, at the Walrath & Stewart Funeral Home, 51 Fremont Street, Gloversville. The funeral service will be conducted at 10 a.m. on Thursday, March 25, at the funeral home with the Reverend Christopher Hamm officiating. Interment will follow at Ferndale Cemetery, Johnstown.

In lieu of flowers, please send contributions in memory of Bill to: Shriners Hospital for Children-Boston, 51 Blossom Street, Boston, MA 02114.

Please visit the family's online guestbook at www.brbsfuneral.com.