Don was born June 24, 1932, to Willard and Verna Cowley. He died peacefully at home after being diagnosed with cancer a month earlier.
He lived a full and happy life. He served in the Navy after high school. He married Charlotte Greenwood and had five children. They divorced but remained good friends. He married Sharon Green on September 26, 1981, and they were later sealed in the temple.
Don served in the Navy reserves and then active duty on the USS Jason. He has maintained contact with two of his shipmates over the years. He made friends wherever he went. People loved and respected him and in turn he showed respect and caring to everyone he met.
He got his first gym membership when he was 18 years old and had a current membership at the time of his death. Being active and healthy was especially important to him. Don had many friends at the gym. He loved power lifting but regretted it as his back and shoulders gave him problems later in life.
He pitched fast pitch softball most of his life. He gave it up when he was in his 60s. He loved fast cars and raced his ’55 Chev at Bonneville Raceway. He would drag State Street looking for anyone who thought they could beat him.
Don loved boating, hunting, and just being in the mountains. He and Sharon had a special group of friends they traveled with.
He loved animals, spoiled his dogs, fed the birds in the backyard, and got upset at the crows and cats in the neighborhood for killing the baby quail in the spring.
He genuinely loved his friends and family. The world will not be the same without him. He will be missed but never forgotten.
Special thank you to Barbara, Shauntel, and Kaylee (Good Shepherd Hospice) for their kindness and the exceptional care given to Don and our family. Thank you also to LeeAnn Johnson for her months of care.
Don is preceded in death by son Brett, sister LaRue Kevern, and brother Richard Cowley. Survived by his broken-hearted wife Sharon; children Teri Moosman, Cheryl Cowley, Todd Cowley, Lisa Shipley (Thayne Hughes); grandchildren William Argyle, Brandon Shipley (Tobie), Ron Shipley (Courtney Mamani), Thomas Shipley, Don Cowley; sisters-in-law Kathleen Green, Connie Green, Christine Green, Claudia Green; first wife Charlotte Mulder; five great-grandchildren; niece & nephews Gregory and Ann Kevern, Kent and Connie Kevern, Kurt and Kim Kevern, and Verlyn Linford.
Visitation with family and friends will take place Thursday, November 9, from 6-8 PM at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 E. 10600 S. in Sandy. The funeral will be held Friday, November 10, at 1 PM at Valley Park Chapel, 5750 S. Nena Way, Murray. The service will be livestreamed and can be accessed by clicking the "Watch Services" button above.
Don chose to be cremated. We ask in lieu of flowers you please do a random act of kindness.
Dear Sharon,
I am so sorry to read about Don. You two have been an amazing couple and example. I have no doubt your good friend Deb was part of the welcoming committee. I know how much she loved you both.
Sharon we're sorry to learn of Don's passing. We're certain he lived a full and happy life. He always seemed so happy and genuine. It was an honor to know him.
My deepest support in all our loss. A life well lived. One of the most genuine and honest men whose strength was given to others and a rare example of the best of humanity..His example quietly taught me strength and reminded me to treat others with respect in the most trying situations.
Sharon we're sorry to learn of Don's passing. We're certain he lived a full and happy life. He always seemed so happy and genuine. It was an honor to know him.
Sharon we're sorry to learn of Don's passing. We're certain he lived a full and happy life. He always seemed so happy and genuine. It was an honor to know him.
So much enjoyed our over the Hill gang ,dirty dozen and poofs traveling group..over the years. You and Don brought so much love and camaraderie in the group. With Don being the lead scout on so many of our ATV outings was always the best. He will be sorely missed by anyone he ever touched in life.! RIP Mr. Don. Until we meet again.
Sharon !!
We love you so much pretty lady!!! You and Don are the cutest!! My heart absolutely breaks for you and your family !! Dad and I are always here for you !!!
Love you !!!
Kelly Passey and family
Sharon and family. My heart goes out to you at the loss of Don. I met Don when I was about age 16 and over the years via one of my relatives, we got to know each other and began a lasting friendship. Don was the "real deal" and humanity would be much better off if there were more like him.
Don and I have been friends since 1952, shared days together in the Navy and played softball with one another. Although separated by miles, we often played catch up through weekly phone conversations until his declining health when then we would check on Sharon. Don will be greatly missed by all who knew him and his family will forever be in our thoughts and prayers.
Charles and Pansy Greer
Swannanoa, NC
We love you and are sorry to hear about your loss. Love to all your family here or on the other side.
Sharon, we're sorry to here of Don's passing. Don is in some of my earliest memories and was a big influence on me in my teenage years. We pray for the Lord's blessings and comfort to be with you and your family in this time of sorrow, and think of the reunion on the other side with his loved ones there.
Sharon, I was so sorry to hear of Don's passing and your struggles with health. I enjoyed our winter in Mesquite so much - what a fun time our dinners together were enjoyed so much. The rides with the "over the Hill Gang were so memorable. I wanted to be there for his funeral so sorry I did not make it. Think of you so often.
With sympathy and love,
Patsy Vigliaturo
