Theodore Cowles

Theodore Roland "Ted" Cowles, age 82, of Manoka Lake, Greenville, passed away Friday morning, September 15, 2023 at Corewell Health-Greenville Hospital following a brief illness. The son of William John & Merna Pauline (Whitfield) Cowles, he was born on November 10, 1940 at Blodgett Hospital in East Grand Rapids and grew up in Belding. Friday morning Ted first worked at Parker Plumbing & Heating and then Belding Tool & Die, before beginning his 42-year career at Greenville Tool & Die, retiring as the Head of Quality Control. His numerous hobbies included flying as a private pilot, building homes, and refurbishing vehicles. He also loved to travel, spending many vacations in Hawaii snorkeling, in Colorado skiing, and RV'ing in Florida, where he also spent his retirement winters. He spent his other free time rooting for Michigan State University teams, in bowling and golf leagues, was part of the local Corvette Club, and enjoyed playing euchre, pinochle, and cribbage, but found his greatest joy in time spent with his friends and family. Ted was very well known in his community, having been a member of the Belding Jaycee's, served multiple offices in the Greenville Optimist Club, including president, and even helped construct many of the buildings at Camp Wah-Wah-Tay-See. A member of St. Paul Lutheran Church he enjoyed spending time with the Sunshine Club at Men's breakfasts, and served many hours supporting the church's Food Pantry and caring for the landscaping and grounds. He was one of his grandchildren's biggest fans and attended numerous sporting and school events. He was preceded in death by his parents William J. & Pauline Cowles; a brother, Fred Cowles; and his significant other and companion of 20 years, Mary L. Nielsen on September 13, 2020. Surviving are his children, William "Bill" Cowles & Carrie Mann of Grand Rapids, Carrie & Dana Prosser of Belding, and Brian & Andrea Cowles of Greenville; two grandchildren, Rachel Mann and Connor Cowles; a brother, David Cowles; Mary's children, Tara & COL. Jim Babbitt and Larry Nielsen; Mary's grandchildren, Trevor Nielsen, Mitchell Babbitt, Jack Babbitt, Lilly Babbitt, and Elizabeth & Brandon Arntz; Mary's great-grandchildren, Charlotte Arntz and Lucy Arntz; his former wives, Lorna Cowles and Julie Sirrine; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Visitation with the family is from 2-3 p.m. on Sunday, October 1, 2023 at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 9844 S.W. Greenville Road (M-91), Greenville, where memorial services will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, with the Rev. Dick Woodward officiating. A time of food and fellowship will follow the ceremony. from 2-3 p.m. on Sunday, October 1, 2023 9844 S.W. Greenville Road at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday Instead of flowers, Ted would have appreciated contributions to St. Paul Lutheran Church Memorial Fund. Envelopes will be available at the church. Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Christiansen's Michigan Cremation & Funeral Care, Greenville, (616) 754-5638. (616) 754-5638 To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Theodore Cowles, please visit our flower store.