Bernard L. Cowling, 88, of Evansville IN, formerly of Mt. Carmel, Illinois, passed away Friday, February 19, 2021at 9:30 a.m. at St. Vincent Hospital in Evansville IN due to health complications.

He was born July 14, 1932 the son of Marion and Helen (Lambert) Cowling, Sr. in Wabash County, IL. He married Phyllis R. Howell and they had forty-nine years together before her death.

Bernard was a member of the Free Methodist Church. From his teen years and into adult life he taught teen and adult Sunday School classes. He was a support for his wife in all the children ministries of the church.

He sang as a teen and in early adult years was song evangelist for many revivals in surrounding churches.  He was also a soloist in many churches in Mt. Carmel and surrounding towns. He was also soloist for many weddings and funerals.

Bernard retired from Pacific Press and Shear Company in Mt. Carmel after more than thirty years of service.

He was preceded in death by his wife of forty-nine years, Phyllis; his parents Marion and Helen Cowling; his brothers Bob Lambert and Marion Cowling, Jr. and sister Lois Garner.

Surviving are his daughter Angela and her husband Terry Adkins and his son Mark Cowling;; grandchildren, Melissa Adkins, Jacob Cowling; great grandsons James and Liam Cowling; and sisters Phyllis Smith and Wanda Riseman.

Visitation for Bernard Cowling will be Wednesday, February 24, 2021 from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Short Funeral Home. The funeral service will be at 2:00 p.m. Burial will follow at Highland Memorial Cemetery, Mt. Carmel, IL

COVID-19 precautions, wearing of face coverings, social distancing and use of hand sanitizer is recommended.

Contributions to Free Methodist Church will be accepted in memory of Bernard.

Condolences may be made online at www.short-cunninghamfh.com

Short-Cunningham Funeral Home is honored to serve the Cowling family.