Senator Harry L. Cowden View All Years

HARRY L. COWDEN

MR. PRESIDENT: Your committee appointed to prepare a suitable resolution commemorating the life, character and public service of the late Honorable Harry L. Cowden, begs leave to submit the following memorial:

Harry L. Cowden was born at Montieth, Iowa, December 30, 1900, the son of Loren and Emma Cowden. He was married to Else M. Sorensen at Guthrie Center, June 4, 1926.

Mr. Cowden graduated from Guthrie Center High School in 1920, attended Des Moines University and graduated from American University of Commerce, Des Moines, Iowa.

Mr. Cowden was elected Guthrie County Clerk of District Court in 1932, serving eight years. In 1940, he was called to Extensive Active Duty with the Army as a Captain of Infantry and served as plans and training officer. He was a graduate of Army Command and General Staff College, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, serving as an instructor in a number of officer schools and retired in 1955 as a Lieutenant Colonel.

Senator Cowden served in the Iowa Senate during the 59th, 60th, and 60th extraordinary General Assemblies.

Mr. Cowden was active in the United Methodist Church, as a Trustee and Finance Chairman; member of Guthrie Center Chamber of Commerce and Lions Club, holding many offices including President. Mr. Cowden also served as County Chairman for American Red Cross three years; two years as County Civil Defense Director, and received the Guthrie Center Junior Chamber of Commerce Distinguished Service Award in 1957.

Harry L. Cowden was a Master Mason 57 years; past Master of Orange Lodge, Guthrie Center; a member Des Moines Consistory; Knights Templar and Shrine. He served as Worthy Patron of Gleaners Chapter and Iowa Grand Chapter six years prior to election as Associate Grand Patron in 1960; he also served as Worthy Grand Patron Order of Eastern Star 1962.

Mr. Cowden passed away April 10, 1981, at Guthrie Center. He is survived by his wife, Else; two daughters, Mrs. Robert (Geneva) Knudson and Mrs. Robert Allen (Gloria) Burnett, both of Des Moines; and nine grandchildren.

Now Therefore, Be It Resolved by the Senate of the Sixty-ninth General Assembly of Iowa: That in the passing of the Honorable Harry L. Cowden, the State has lost an honored citizen and a faithful and useful public servant, and the Senate by this resolution would express its appreciation of his services to his community, state and nation and tender its sympathy and kindest regards to the members of his family.

Be It Further Resolved: That a copy of this resolution be spread upon the Journal of the Senate and the Secretary of the Senate be instructed to forward an enrolled copy to each member of his family.

C.W. BILL HUTCHINS, Chairperson

JAMES E. BRILES

NORMAN RODGERS