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Russell W. Cowling

Creston

Russell Cowling, 71, of Creston, formerly of Orient, died Dec. 23, 2022, at Greater Regional Health in Creston. (Contributed )

Russell “Russ” Cowling, 71, of Creston, formerly of Orient, died Friday, Dec. 23, 2022, at Greater Regional Health Center in Creston. A Celebration of Life Service will be 6:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 30 at Powers Funeral Home, 601 New York Avenue in Creston. Pastor Tony Thurston will officiate. Burial will be private in Graceland Cemetery near Creston. Open visitation with family receiving friends will be 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Friday at Powers Funeral Home in Creston.

Memorials may be directed to Russell’s family. Online condolences may be given at www.powersfh.com

Russell Wayne Cowling was born Aug. 17, 1951, to Leah Louiza (Payton) and John Thomas Cowling in Des Moines. Russell graduated from Chariton High School in 1970, later continuing his education by attending the National Trucking School in Denver, Colorado. After graduation, Russell lived in Lucas, Des Moines and Osceola prior to moving to Orient. Russell began working at Ferra in 1992 as a food production machine operator. He also delivered newspapers for many years for the Des Moines Register.

On Aug. 12, 2000, Russell married Kathryn “Kitty” Hudson at the United Methodist Church in Orient. Russell was a member of the AARP, Local Union and the National Locksmiths Association.

Russell is survived by his wife Kitty; three stepchildren: Martha Faye (Brian) Rhodes of Creston, Edman (Casey Giles) Floyd of Creston and Kevin Townsend of St. Louis, Missouri.; six stepgrandchildren: Nevaeh, Mikayla, Serenity, Jayson, Mary and Sky Ann; one sister Sue Harrison of Knoxville; a brother Bert (Cecilia) Cowling of Rockford, Illinois; a sister-in-law, Carol Cowling of West Des Moines; three brothers-in-law: Mark (Donna) Hudson, Clark Hudson of Afton and Brian (Janet) Hudson; two sisters-in-law, Rosemarie (Bob) Harold of East Dubuque, Illinois, Carol Cowling of West Des Moines; many nieces and nephews.

Russell was preceded in death by his parents, parents-in-law, Ralph and Marie Hudson; three sisters: Rhea Baker, Rose (Otis) Webb and Mary Jane Cowling; three brothers: John (Wanda), Joe (Dixie) and Marion Cowling; brothers-in-law Chris Harrison and Danny Hudson; two nephews, Bobby and David; two nieces, Sally and Linda and four great-nephews.