Davis Olmsted Cowles passed away peacefully on May 25, 2022. He was born to Charles Hyde Cowles and Evelyn (Davis) Cowles in Newton, Massachusetts on February 12, 1938. Married for many years to Barbara Denny, Davis was the beloved father of John and Liz Cowles, and Karen and Steven Robbins. He was the adoring “Grampy” to Sarah, Kevin, and Chris Cowles and to Annie and James Robbins. He is survived by his sisters Deborah Goebel and Amy Elizabeth “Betsey” VanHoogen, brother-in-law Peter Goebel, many nieces and nephews, and a large extended family.
Davis grew up in Needham, MA, and graduated from Needham High School. He served as a military policeman in the United States Army before graduating from Michigan State University where he was a member of Farmhouse Fraternity. Davis spent his career in the automotive industry and worked for many years at Dana Corporation specializing in heavy truck component sales.
He remained active in retirement flagging for transport companies and driving buses for schools, athletic teams, and disability service agencies. Davis had a great passion for vehicles of every variety – trucks, jeeps, motorcycles, buses, fire trucks, RVs, backhoes, and more. He owned over 50 vehicles through the years. He shared his passion with family, friends, and the community by driving his antique firetruck in local parades.
Davis was a long-time resident and active community member in Southborough, MA. He was a volunteer fireman and EMT, served in a variety of roles at Pilgrim Church, and was twice elected Selectman for the town.
Contributions in his memory may be made to Melmark New England, a school providing residential, educational, and rehabilitative services for children, adolescents, and adults diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders, intellectual disabilities, and developmental disabilities. Please [click here].
(Obituary contributed)
Davis was a heck of a guy. Always happy. I’m sad he’s gone