Francis H. (Nutty) Cowen, 81, of Frog Park Rd., Stockwell, passed away Wednesday, January 13, 2010, at the Presbyterian Home for CNY, with his loving wife and family by his side. He was born August 24, 1928, in the Town of Madison, a son of the late Norman and Janet Dugan Cowen and was educated in Waterville schools. Mr. Cowen was a paratrooper and Sergeant with the US Army, proudly serving during the Korean War. During the service, he became an amateur boxer. After his honorable discharge, he turned professional and won many fights during his prestigious boxing career. His boxing gloves are on display at the National Boxing Hall of Fame in Canastota. On August 29, 1959, at the First Presbyterian Church of Waterville, he married Elaine Tilbe, whom he affectionately called Mrs. Cowen throughout their marriage. Mr. Cowen was a construction worker and heavy equipment operator and for 19 years was employed with the Griffiss Air Force Base in Rome. He was a member, past Vestry member and the official bell ringer for Sunday service at Grace Church in Waterville. He was also a member and past commander of the Clifford J. Fulmer American Legion Post #92 and was a life time member of the Waterville Fish & Game Club. Nutty enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He especially enjoyed his coffee club at Klings Mill and his weekly pitch game at the American Legion. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Elaine; a brother and sister-in-law, Clement and Patricia Cowen of Wilmington, DE; his in-laws, Dorothy Cowen of Rochester, June Stetson of Stockwell and Walter Tilbe of Waterville; and many special nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. He was predeceased by five brothers, Richard, William, Stuart, Norman and Charles Cowen; and three sisters, Emily Henriksen, Clementine Burkett and Patricia Cowen. The Mass and Holy Eucharist will be offered Saturday at 10 am at Grace Church, Waterville. Spring interment will be in Waterville Cemetery. Calling hours are Friday evening (tonight) 5-8 at the Kloster-Northrop & Bentz Funeral Home, 210 E. Main St., Waterville. Members of the American Legion will meet tonight at 7 o'clock. . Mrs. Cowen would like to thank all their family and friends, as well as Dr. Scott Brehaut, Dr. David Petrie, Nannette Cowen, and the entire staff and all the residents of the Presbyterian Home for CNY, for all their friendship, wonderful care and support during this difficult time.