12/15/2015
Robert H. McKowen, age 88 of Leola, PA passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, December 15, 2015. He was the husband of Lee McKowen whom he was married to for 65 years. He was born in Derry, PA, son of the late Clark W. & Inez T. McKowen. He graduated from Derry Township High School where he was starting quarterback, played point guard for the basketball team and won a state championship in the high hurdles. He was a World War II veteran and went on to earn his BA degree in Journalism with an emphasis on sports writing at the University of Pittsburgh. While at Pitt, he served as Editor of the university magazine, played basketball and ran track. He helped his team win gold in the shuttle hurdle relay race at the prestigious Penn Relays. Upon graduation, he began work as a staff correspondent with the United Press International and later moved to Lancaster, PA where he worked in Public Relations for Armstrong World Industries. He retired from Armstrong after thirty-one years of service and began work for the American Kennel Club in New York City as Vice President of Performance Events, where he was honored for the implementation of the American Kennel Club Agility Trials. He was a highly revered expert with the German Shorthaired Pointer breed and very active with the Eastern and National German Shorthaired Pointer Clubs of America. He devoted decades of his life to the sport as a breeder, exhibitor, judge, club officer, AKC Vice President, delegate, writer and author. Most recently, he was inducted into the Dog Writers Hall of Fame. His own dogs won many show championships and sired a continuing line of champions. In addition to his love of dogs, he took great pleasure and pride in watching his children and grandchildren participate in activities and sports.
In addition to his wife Lee, he is survived by his five children, Dr. Robert L. McKowen and daughter-in-law, Cassie McKowen of Houston Texas, Mitzi Perry of New Freedom, PA, Jackie Summers and son-in-law, Michael of New Freedom, PA, John McKowen and daughter-in-law, Cindy of Lititz, PA, Pat McKowen and daughter-in-law, Jenell of Spring Grove, PA, as well as nine grandchildren, and one great-grandson. He is also survived by his brothers, Clark McKowen and his wife, Ruth of San Francisco, CA and Jim McKowen and his wife, Rose Marie of Martinsville, WV. He is predeceased by his brother John, sister Geneva and granddaughter, Laura.
The viewing will be held on Friday, December 18thfrom 6:00p.m. – 8:00p.m. and Saturday, December 19th from 10:00a.m. – 11:00a.m. Service to follow at 11 a.m. at Furman Home for Funerals, 59 West Main Street, Leola, PA., officiated by Pastor Jeffrey Slemp of Grace United Methodist Church, Shrewsbury, PA.
Interment immediately following the service at New Freedom Cemetery in New Freedom, PA.
Contributions may be made to the Dog Writers Association of America, Marsha Pugh, Treasurer, P.O. Box 787, Hughesville, MD 20637.