Gordon Harris "Sonny" Cowley

Gordon Harris “Sonny” Cowley, of St. Johns, passed away Saturday, July 29, 2017 at his home at the age of 87. Sonny was born and raised in St. Johns and loved this wonderful town. Sonny was preceded in death by his wife, Ailean Waite Cowley and is survived by two daughters, Linda Gifford (William Roberts) and Toni Nelson, brother, John Phillip Cowley, sister, Deana (Gordon) Farr and a granddaughter, Mandy Gifford (Selena), and a great granddaughter Charlotte Ailean Gifford. Sonny owned and operated the newspaper (White Mountain Independent) for many years and ran a small print shop on the side. He had a great sense of humor and was always looking for new adventures and challenges. He had a passion for Native American Art and loved to travel New Mexico, meeting and buying from the artists. Sonny built a reputation for having fine art and jewelry, and many of his collections were featured in museums in various states. He also had a love for horse racing and purchased his first quarter horse and never looked back. This “hobby” soon brought more horses to the ranch where he extended his love of racing to breeding quarter horses. A Graveside Memorial Service will be held Saturday, August 5, 2017 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Johns Cemetery. A luncheon will follow the service at 11:30 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Downtown Bldg., at 35 W Cleveland St. in St. Johns.