Miles Cowdrey

Miles V. Cowdrey, 79, of Chambersburg, PA, passed from this life on July 23, 2012. He was the son of Elise Fleck Cowdrey and Miles A. Cowdrey. Survivors are his loving wife of 54 years, Margaret Radford Cowdrey, a son, Douglas, a daughter, Carole and her husband, Robert Rollins. He also is survived by his two beloved grandchildren, Alyssa and Collin Cowdrey.
Miles was born on August 14, 1932 and grew up in Detroit, MI. He graduated from the University of Michigan with both a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Music. He served in the U.S. Air Force, where he performed on trumpet with the prestigious Air Force Band for four years. In 1974, Miles received his Doctorate in Music from Carnegie Mellon University.
Miles began his teaching career as a high school music teacher in Michigan. He then continued his love for music as a professor at Shippensburg University for 30 years. While at Shippensburg, he organized the Brass Ensemble. He also founded the Festival Chamber Orchestra, which he conducted for several years with great success. He was the recipient of many service and music awards during his lifetime.
Miles was involved in his community and was especially dedicated to the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 121, in Shippensburg, PA. He also enjoyed serving as the choir director with the Methodist Church in Tecumseh, MI as well as the Presbyterian Church in Shippensburg, PA for several years.
Miles loved his family, music, traveling, and his Scottish Heritage. He will be sadly missed.
The family will receive friends in the Thomas L. Geisel Funeral Home, 333 Falling Spring Rd., Chambersburg, PA on Friday, July 27, 2012 from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his name to the Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Pennsylvania Chapter, 3544 North Progress Ave., Suite 205, Harrisburg, PA 17110-9638.