Walter Lee Nowlin

Walter "Lee" Nowlin Longtime Cortez resident, W. Lee Nowlin passed away with his children by his side on January 29, 2016 at Vista Grande Nursing Home, at the age of 91. Lee was born June 26, 1924 to Don Wesley and Alvery (Winn) Nowlin in Whitter, California. After serving as a pilot in the 7th Troop Carrier Squadron, 62nd Troop Carrier Group of the U.S. Army Air Corp during World War II in the European and African-Middle Eastern Theatres, he graduated college with an engineering degree and worked for the Superior Oil Company as a gas and oil engineer until retirement, where he then spent remaining years raising cattle on the family ranch with son, Steven. Lee enjoyed the outdoors horseback riding, hunting and fishing. He was a longtime member of the Masonic Lodge and Cortez Elks Lodge. Lee is survived by his wife, Clura Nowlin of Tulsa, Oklahoma; daughter, Marty (Jerry) Tate of Cortez, Colorado; son, Steve (Kathy) Nowlin and son, Don Nowlin of Dolores, Colorado; nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Lee is preceded in death by his mother and father; brother, Robert Nowlin; first wife, Betty Jo Nowlin; and grandson, Craig Kimble. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, February 4, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. at the United Methodist Church in Cortez, Colorado. Viewing will be at the church prior to the funeral service from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm. Graveside service and burial will follow at the Cortez Cemetery. Lee will be honored with a Masonic and Military Service.