Howard William Cowgill SA-DOJ, retired

Howard, 81 born in Providence, Rhode Island; passed away Thursday, May 11, 2023 while at home.

Howard was a go-getter from early on. He touched the lives of many during his various careers as a leader, trusted colleague, mentor, teacher, and friend. He loved standing up for right and justice. As a Veteran he was an avid supporter of Veteran support groups and on his softer side, he supported various wildlife and domestic animal protection groups. He and his wife, Mary Lou [deceased] were always bringing home orphaned wildlife to care for and rehabilitate. Howard also loved trains and was a member of the National Model Railroad Association.

He graduated in 1965 from the University of Rhode Island with a BS in Business Administration, majoring in Accounting. Howard went on to join the Navy, becoming a Lieutenant/Pilot in Command and received the Navy National Defense Medal for serving during Vietnam: from August 1965 through October 1969, the Navy Reserves from November 1969 through June 1980, afterwards becoming an FAA Certified Commercial Pilot. During his reserve years, he joined the Federal Bureau of Investigation and served as a Secret Agent, Sniper, and the physical fitness instructor for his assigned bureau. Howard served for over 20 years with the Bureau, from 1972 to 1994, and received the FBI Performance Award among other awards and recognition.

While in the Bureau, Howard worked many high-profile cases. To name only a few, he served: on a Fugitive Arrest Team to apprehend one of the FBI's 10 most wanted; on a Corruption team where 4 key figures were convicted; as lead investigator for a Bank Fraud case in Pensacola, FL (where he first met "My Mary Lou", who he would later marry and was the absolute love of his life); on the SWAT Team during the Oakdale Federal Prison Riot, where he received the FBI Certificate of Appreciation for his assistance; as Supervisor on a case convicting 20 drug dealers in Foley, AL; as an Undercover Agent in a murder for hire case; as a SWAT Team sniper; on the Amtrak Railroad derailment investigative team; as an Undercover Agent for outlaw motorcycle gangs [where he “dressed the part”], along with a myriad of diverse cases.

After retiring from the FBI, Howard served as a Deputy Sheriff in Mobile, AL for a short time, then after moving to the Panama City area, served as a Patrol Officer and Compliance Officer in Lynn Haven, FL until going to work for Southern Restaurant Group in 2001, where he and his wife, Mary Lou (deceased) worked together and would retire - Howard as the Financial Accountant, Internal Auditor, and Investigator for patron and work-related injuries and Mary Lou as the Executive Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer in her final position. They considered themselves so blessed to have been with each other throughout each day – both at work and at home. They retired the end of 2021.

Howard is predeceased by his wife, Mary Lou, who died December 15, 2021, and his parents. He leaves behind many loved ones to cherish his memory: stepdaughters: Mary Poss [Stuart]; Liz Benauer [Dave]; step-grandchildren: David, Courtney, Cathy, Ann, Beth; step-greatgrandchildren; and many other friends he/we consider family.

His cheery and fun-loving personality will be sorely missed as well as his good humor and incredibly kind heart. He couldn’t be prouder to serve our country and truly lived by the FBI Motto:

“Fidelity – Bravery – Integrity”

Thank you for touching our hearts and being part of our lives.

Visitation & Funeral: St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church, Pensacola, FL. Funeral: July 7, 2023 at 11:30am. Visitation: following the Funeral. Internment: at Barrancas National Cemetery at 2pm.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to your local animal rescue shelter or wildlife refuge center.