Robert "Bob" Whitney Cowles

In Loving Memory of Robert Whitney Cowles It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Robert (Bob) Whitney Cowles, beloved husband, brother, father, and uncle. He departed peacefully in the early morning hours of Monday, July 13, 2026 at his residence in Bristow, Virginia with his loving family by his side following complications from his battle with Brain Cancer. Bob was born August 5, 1937 in Montpelier, Vermont, son of the late Albert Jackson and Floid Stella (Bockus) Cowles. Bob teen years were spent in Germany due to his father’s military career, then settled back to Fayetteville North Carolina. With a bachelor’s degree in Business and CPA Certification he moved to Northern Virgina where he started his career as a civil servant with the Department of Defense, as Accountant for the U.S. Navy. This would be where he met Martha, the love of his life. They married in June 29, 1968 where they began their life as a devoted Christian couple in Manassas, then later moving to Waynesboro Virginia. Bob had many hobbies but was an avid photographer. He loved to watch golf and played leisurely in his younger days. Bob is lovingly remembered by his wife of 58 years Martha Jane (Vestal), and devoted son Whitney and (wife) Alicia Cowles. Bob leaves to cherish his memory a sister Linda Bradford of Fayetteville, North Carolina, her sons Nicolas and (wife) Megan Bradford, and Steven Bradford. Sister-in-law Sue Hamilton, her son William and (wife) Mady, children Tyler and Jason Hamilton. Brother-in-law Mark and (late wife) Vickie Taylor of Waynesboro, Virginia, and son Gabe Taylor. Sister-in-law Shirley Martin of Jacksonville, North Carolina, her sons Lee, Scott, Michael, and Wayne, as well as Mary Byrd Register of Connecticut. A service for family and friends will be held at Pierce Funeral Home, 9609 Center Street, Manassas, Virginia, on Monday, July 28, 2026. Visitation will from 10am-11am, with memorial service beginning at 11am. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly request that donations be made in Robert’s memory to the American Cancer Society, Dementia Society of America or Alzheimer’s Association honoring his lifelong spirit of helping others in need.

Robert "Bob" Whitney Cowles

August 5, 1937 - July 13, 2026