Memorials › David Curtis Cowley Jr.
David Curtis Cowley Jr.
2 Dec 1940 – 11 Nov 2025
| Birth | 2 Dec 1940 |
| Death | 11 Nov 2025 |
| Cemetery | Richfield City Cemetery Richfield , Sevier County , Utah , USA |
| Added by | Marilyn McRae McCarty on 22 Nov 2025 |
| FaG | https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/289738096 |
Bio
David C Cowley December 2, 1940 - November 11, 2025 David C. Cowley passed away peacefully at his home in Enterprise, Utah, surrounded by his loving family on November 11, 2025. He was born on December 2, 1940, in Richfield, Utah, to David Curtis Cowley and Amy Leola Nielsen — arriving as a twin, alongside his sister Delia. David grew up with his twin sister, his eldest sister Elaine, affectionately known as "bossy Elaine," and his younger brother Lynn, the spirited "wild little brother" of the family. From the moment he first saw Joyce Jones, he said he knew he was going to marry her — and he did, on June 10, 1961. Not long after, David and Joyce were sealed for time and all eternity in the St. George Temple, a commitment that reflected both their love and their shared faith. Together they built a beautiful life and were blessed with three children whom he loved deeply. David spent his early years in Richfield, where he enjoyed helping his father with the cattle, going pheasant hunting, and riding horses. He had a deep love for animals — horses, pigeons, and dogs were a constant part of his life. Later on, his closest daily companions were his dog Rocky and his cat Willow. He loved his mother very much. He often talked about her wonderful baking and the homemade candies she made, remembering those tastes and traditions with a special fondness. Her cooking created some of his warmest childhood memories. David was also a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. His testimony was strong and unwavering, a quiet but steady foundation throughout his life. He lived his faith through kindness, service, and genuine care for those around him. He cherished the summers he spent with his grandparents, the Nielsens, in Kingston. After his parents divorced, he moved to St. George with his mother and siblings. At just 14 years old, he began working at The Big Hand Café as a "pearl diver" — a dishwasher. One of his favorite memories from that time was meeting Clark Gable and getting his autograph. At age 16, David moved with his mother and stepfather, Leonard Lefevre, to Enterprise. He began working with Leonard at Zuckerman's Farms, caring for the cattle. In 1964, he started driving truck for Alma Holt, and before long he proudly purchased his own truck: a 1957 Kenworth. All of his trucks from then on were Kenworths — a point of pride he carried his whole life. Over the course of 44 years and more than 4 million miles, David became well-known across the western states, forming lasting friendships with his many trucker buddies. He was always willing to help anyone in need and often brought back truck parts from the salvage yards in Phoenix for his friends. Though he was a quiet man of few words, his actions spoke louder than anything he could have said. He was hardworking, steady, and deeply loyal to the people he loved. He took his wife and children trucking with him whenever they wanted to go, creating memories they will always hold close. One thing everyone remembers about David is that he was never seen without his black Stetson cowboy hat. It was part of who he was — a symbol of his character, his roots, and the life he lived with pride. One of his greatest joys was riding horses over Pine Valley Mountain. He rode for many years with his brothers-in-law, Douglas and Clark Jones, and later continued that tradition with his own family. David was preceded in death by his parents; his twin sister Delia; his sisters Amy, Jill, and Jan; his son David Curtis Cowley; his grandson Randy J. Cowley; his in-laws Delmar and Kate Jones; and his brothers-in-law Douglas Jones, Kenneth Jones, Jack Canfield, and Boyd Barlow. He is survived by his wife, Joyce Cowley; his children Allison (Kevin) Keyes of Pine Valley and Jeffrey Scott (Lisa) Cowley of Enterprise; his sister Elaine Canfield; his brother Lynn Cowley; seven grandchildren; and ten great-grandchildren. Above all else, David's greatest love in life was his wife, his children, and his grandchildren. Each of them carries special memories of him — memories filled with warmth, quiet strength, faith, and love. He will be missed deeply by all who knew him. (Published by Serenity Funeral Home of Southern Utah)
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