Mr. Larry Mal Cowling

Mr. Larry Mal Cowling, 85 of Peoria, IL transitioned to his heavenly home at 5 am on Saturday, October 7, 2023 at Independence Village. Larry was the son of Malachi and Christine (Owens) Cowling. He was the grandson of Dora Cowling, whom Larry credits for shaping his life with a foundation of love, respect for self and others, honesty, commitment, trustworthiness, tenacity, punctuality and faith in God. Larry was born at Cook County hospital in Chicago, IL on September 6, 1938. He attended Lincoln Memorial Elementary School in Robbins, IL for two years before moving to Altgeld Gardens in Chicago, IL where he graduated High School in 1956. He attended Wilson Jr., College for one semester before joining the US Air Force. Larry honorably served his country from 1957 – 1961. His tour of duty was during the Pacific War on the island of Okinawa. Upon his discharge from the military, Larry enrolled at Bradley University on an athletic scholarship. He was a standout performer in track and football. Larry received his B.S. degree in Industrial Education with a minor in Machine Design. It is at Bradley University where Larry became a proud member of the Epsilon Kappa Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. He was active in many Bradley Alumni activities and served on several community boards as a director. Larry was one of the original coaches in JFL and served from 1967 to 1970. Larry retired from Caterpillar, Inc., in 1997 after serving 32 years in a variety of supervisory and management positions, last working in Labor Relations. After retiring from Caterpillar, Larry did not rest on his laurels, for he went on to work with Peoria Charter Bus Line from November 1997 until February of 2012. Anyone who rode his bus was greeted with a smile and feeling they would travel with safety. Larry was united in holy matrimony to Eleanor V. Bracey on August 19, 1962 and to their union God sent Paul Anthony and Brian Christopher. Larry loved children and was most comfortable attending the needs of toddlers. Many mothers trusted him with their children and he loved them as if they were his own. He made time when friends needed a "no charge" baby sitter. Larry was a faithful member of Ward Chapel A.M.E. Church. Larry leaves to cherish his most precious memory, his wife of 61 years, Eleanor Cowling of Peoria, IL; two sons, Paul Anthony “Tony” Cowling of Chicago, IL and Brian Cowling of Peoria, IL; one brother, Michael Cowling of Bolingbrook, IL; two sisters, Phyllis Fanroy of Grand Rapids, MI and Patricia Jones of Phoenix, AZ and a host of nieces, nephews, other family and friends who loved him. He is preceded in death by his parents. Funeral services will be held at 11 am on Saturday, October 14, 2023 at Ward Chapel A.M.E. Church with a visitation one and a half hours prior beginning at 9 am. The Omega Ceremony by the gentlemen of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., will be held at 10:30 am. Interim Pastor, Rev. Dr. Elaine Walters-Gordon will officiate and Rev. Arthur Williams, Sr., will bring forth the eulogy. Larry will be laid to rest at Swan Lake Memory Gardens where US Airforce Military Honors will be rendered. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Tri-County Peoria Urban League Youth Programs. Simons Mortuary has been entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at SimonsMortuary.com.

Tributes

Mr. Larry Mal Cowling

September 6, 1938 - October 7, 2023