Herbert Hays Cowsert, son of Herbert and Bessie Fern Cowsert, was born September 22, 1915, in Waco, Texas and passed away November 17, 2009, at the age of 94.

After growing up in San Antonio and attending Brackenridge High School, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy at age 17 and, upon completing training as a Machinist’s Mate, served aboard the Battleship USS Nevada. Leaving the Navy in 1935, he was recalled by the Navy and participated in the evacuation of 350,000 Allied troops from Dunkirk, France, to England in May-June, 1940. After the U.S. entered the war in 1941, he served in the North and South Atlantic and in the Pacific. He also served in the Korean conflict. His last duty was as Commanding Officer of the Naval Reserve at Naval Air Station, Corpus Christi, Texas. Retiring in 1963 at the rank of LCDR, he worked as an Engineer for Travelers Insurance until 1978.

Herbert enjoyed ranching, fishing, and volunteer work. He was a member of the Blanco United Methodist Church and had recently received his Masonic 70-year service pin. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Melba, sons Lee and Paul, nieces Paula Jean Packer and Diane Young, and many good friends.

Graveside memorial service will be held Sunday, December 6, 2009, at 1:00pm at Blanco Cemetery. Memorials may be sent to the Masonic Lodge, P.O. Box 861, Blanco, Texas 78606.