Earl R. Cowles, of Manchester, CT, peacefully passed, on August 30th, 2021, after a period of declining health. Earl was born in 1947 and raised in East Hartford alongside his 3 siblings. He had a lifelong career as a master diesel mechanic at International Harvester, Diesel Doctor, and Reed Construction, before moving to his own shop, Earl’s Repair, where he spent the better part of 30 years. After a year of Retirement, he went back to work at Napa to busy his body and mind.
He enjoyed an active membership at the Washington Social Club, and was a good friend to the American Legion, and Army Navy Clubs.
A man who enjoyed the arts, he was a poet by nature. Many a close friend and family member were gifted his prose, always a perfect reflection of the moment and a craft he took great care in developing over the years. As poetry was his passion, so was music. He never passed up the opportunity to dance or sing karaoke. It fueled his soul.
Family and friends alike shared his heart with so many special friends that were considered “family”. Earl is survived by the love of his life, Carol Cowles, daughter Jacey Cowles Shumaker and her husband Tim, daughter Renee Garceau and her husband Alex, daughter Amanda Rice Roule and her husband James, sister Liz Pfenning and her husband Mark, and brother Donny Jardine and his wife Ann. He also leaves grandchildren, Carsen, Rowan, Olivia, Cecilia, Valarie, Dixie, and Eli along with many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his father William Henry Cowles, mother Elizabeth Botelle Cowles, brothers William H. Cowles Jr., Larry Cowles and Kenny Jardine, and sons Dean Rice and Brian Giroux.
A celebration of Life will be held at the American Legion in Manchester (20 American Legion Dr.) on Sunday, September 26 from 12:30-4:30pm.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
