Joel T. Cowher
Joel T. Cowher, 78, of Philipsburg, died Friday, December 1, 2023, at UPMC Altoona.
Joel was born on September 30, 1945, in Philipsburg, a son of the late Karl S. and Grace (Treasure) Cowher.
He was a 1963 graduate of the Philipsburg-Osceola Area High School. Following high school, he received an associate degree from Ventura Community College, Ventura, California. Joel also attended The Pennsylvania State University where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in social studies and a master’s degree in driver education.
Joel was employed throughout most of his working career as a driver education teacher; and to a lesser degree, a history teacher for the West Branch Area School District. He was also employed as a substitute history teacher for the Bellefonte Area School District.
Joel was married on August 30, 1969, in DuBois, to the former Helen M. Doutt, who survives at home.
He is also survived by a daughter, Karla J. Cowher, of Osceola Mills; two sisters-in-law, Jackie Kessler and her husband, Max, of Brockway and Julie Slattery and her husband, Dave, of DuBois; two brothers-in-law, James Doutt and his wife, Vickie, of Jamestown, (Pa) and Jerry Doutt and his wife, Sue, of Falls Creek; his beloved Chihuahua, Peanut; and numerous nieces, nephews and other extended family members.
He was preceded in death by three nephews, his parents and in-laws.
Joel loved his family first and foremost. He also enjoyed fishing, hunting and camping (especially the 45 years of annual trips to Knoebels with his extended family). He enjoyed and was an accomplished trombone and bass guitar player. He was a Life Member of the Bald Eagle Fraternal Order of Police Lodge. He was also a Life Member of the Reliance Fire Company, Philipsburg. He enjoyed being a member of their “Battle of the Barrel” team and driving truck for the fire company. He took pride in teaching younger learners the correct “ways of the road” and basic vehicle maintenance. He also enjoyed working in his toolshed to make or repair all the necessary and “fun” items in and around the house. Joel enjoyed traveling with his family throughout the U.S. and Eastern Canada; with some of their favorite trips that included touring lighthouses along the eastern coast. Joel enjoyed golfing; was an avid Buffalo Sabres hockey fan; a US Civil War buff; watching dirt track sprint car racing; was known to instigate some friendly family food fights; he was well known for wearing bib-overalls and of course, he always had his can of Copenhagen snuff.
A Celebration of Life to honor Joel’s life will be held at a later date.
Memorial contributions, in lieu of flowers, may be made in Joel’s memory to the Clearfield County SPCA, 275 21st St., Clearfield, PA 16830; Centre County PAWS, 1401 Trout Road State College, PA 16801; Pets Come First, 2451 General Potter Highway, Centre Hall, PA 16828; or to Allegheny Spay and Neuter Clinic, 1380 Shawville Hwy, Woodland, PA 16881.
Family and friends may sign the online guestbook and share memories at www.beezerheathfh.com.
