Leonard Cowdin

Leonard Cowdin age 70 of Halsey.               Leonard W. Cowdin made his final haul to heaven on November 10, 2016 at his home in Halsey Ne.  He was born April 28, 1946 in Loup City NE to Delmar and Mildred (Stinespring) Cowdin.               Leonard grew up in the Sandhills area, graduating from Halsey/Dunning High School in 1964.  He joined the United States Army in January of 1966.  Leonard served his country during the Vietnam War where he was stationed in Saigon.  While serving, he was honored with the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and Drivers Badge.  Upon his Honorable Discharge, Leonard returned to the Sandhills to where his heart has always belonged.                Since a young man, trucking was in Leonard’s blood.  He was an owner/operator and was employed by many different local and Nebraska based companies.  While driving for Consolidated Freightways in 1988, he logged 4,006,031 accident free miles.  He hung up his keys in 2008 and enjoyed his retirement.               Leonard married Linda Mandeville of Dunning on June 15, 1968.  To this union, they were blessed with one son Eric Dean.  After living in Lincoln NE for the last 28 years, Leonard returned to his roots in Halsey where he enjoyed his Ponderosa, mowing his lawn, and rekindling Sandhill relationships.               Proceeding Leonard in death were his parents, Delmar and Mildred Cowdin and his in-laws George and Zelda Mandeville.               He is survived by his wife Linda of Halsey and son Eric Dean Cowdin and granddaughter Mary Josephine of Indianapolis, IN.  One sister Marilyn (Kevin) Lindly of Broken Bow.  In-Laws Wayne and Sheri Rodocker of Halsey, George (Bud) and Billie Mandeville of Gillette WY, and a host of nieces and nephews.               A celebration of life for Leonard Cowdin age 70 Halsey, will be Tuesday, November 15th at 10:00 AM at the UCC Church in Purdum with Pastor Sunny Ridings officiating.  Burial will be in the Purdum Cemetery with Military Honors.  Govier Brothers Mortuary of Broken Bow is in charge of the arrangements.  Visitation will be held on Monday, November 14, 2016, 4 PM to 8 PM, with the family greeting friends 4 PM to 6 PM at Govier Bros. Mortuary.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the family to be distributed to his favorite charities.