Donald C. Cowdell, age 87 of Manila, Utah passed away peacefully in his sleep at home on April 17, 2017. Don was born February 2, 1930 to Cecil E. & Lenora B. Bird Cowdell in Sandy, Utah. Don served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. While serving he learned to operate heavy equipment. Don married the love of his life, Rena LaRue Dickinson on February 28, 1953. Together they had four children: Donna Lynnette, Barbara Ann, Rodney Dean and Gina Marie. In 1959 Don started Donald C. Cowdell Construction. As an excavation contractor Don loved "Doing it in the Dirt!" Don's son Rod followed in his footsteps and took over his legacy in 1994 when Don & Rena retired and moved to Manila, UT. They enjoyed many winters in Parker, AZ. Don loved spending time with family and friends doing anything outdoors. He loved to fish, hunt, cook, groom his yard and greenhouse, ride horses, ride UTV's and carve wood. Don was the master teaser to all, he loved playing jokes on everyone. He volunteered his time to the Salt Lake County Mounted Sherriff Posse and the Daggett County Search and Rescue. Don is survived by his loving wife Rena, daughters Barbara Clark (Murray, UT) and Gina Dyches (Price, Utah), son Rod (Lisa) Cowdell (Lehi, UT), grandchildren Bobbie Fry, Jeremy (Jade) Frischknecht, Josh (Misty) Frischknecht, Jeff (Alex) Frischknecht, Josh (Jennifer) Cowdell, Angela Teaney, Cody Cowdell, Aubrey Dyches, Jennica Dyches, 21 great grandchildren, brothers Ron (Virgina) Cowdell, Robert (Susan) Cowdell, sister Connie Edelen, brother in laws LaVar (Donna) Dickinson and Richard (Carma) Dickinson and sister in law Luella (Ray) Jackson. Don is preceded in death by his parents, sister Edna Cowdell, daughter Lyn Cowdell, sister in laws Emma Jean Dickinson, Joyce (Lloyd) Larson, brother in laws Rex (Annie) Dickinson and Max (Larraine) Dickinson. A celebration of Don's life will be held Saturday, April 22, 2017 at 1pm at the Manila LDS Church (1st North 1st West). Burial will follow at the Dry Fork Cemetery in Manila. Military Honors by American Legion and Utah National Guard. Under the direction of the Blackburn Vernal Mortuary.