WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. – On Friday, Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez and Vice President Myron Lizer issued a
proclamation calling for all flags on the Navajo Nation to be flown at half-staff on Nov. 10, 2021 in honor and remembrance of Diné World War II veteran Bennie S. Cowboy, who passed away on Nov. 2 at the age of 95.
C-Battery, during the World War II South Pacific Campaign as an accomplished Marksman. He was
wounded in Okinawa in March 1945, and honorably discharged.
“As we mourn the loss of our Diné warrior, Bennie S. Cowboy, we also honor and remember all his great sacrifices for our
Navajo people and the United States. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Rita, his children and grandchildren, and the Mariano Lake community. He was a loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather who cherished his family. We pray that his family takes comfort in knowing that he is now with God at this time,” said President Nez.
Bennie S. Cowboy was born in Naalini, located northwest of Pinedale, N.M.
Mr. Cowboy served in the U.S. Marine Corps with the 6th Marine Division, 22nd Marines, 3rd Platoon, C-Battery, during the World War II South Pacific Campaign as an accomplished Marksman. He was wounded in Okinawa in March 1945, and honorably discharged. He returned to the Navajo Nation following his honorable discharge to support his family.
“We thank God for the life of Bennie S. Cowboy. In every aspect of his life, he was a loving and compassionate person who cared greatly for his family. We ask all of our Navajo people to keep his spirit and his family in your prayers,” said Vice President Lizer.
Council Delegate Edmund Yazzie, who represents Cowboy’s home community, as a member of the 24th Navajo Nation Council also paid tribute and offered his condolences.
“We honor and give thanks for the life of Bennie S. Cowboy. Despite being wounded in battle, he persevered and built a legacy for his family while giving back to his community. I had the honor of knowing Mr. Cowboy for many years. To his family, we offer our condolences as we pray for strength for his loved ones,” said Delegate Yazzie.
Survivors include his wife, Rita J. Cowboy, his children Gailene Morgan, Lorraine Cowboy, and Judy A. Cowboy, 14 grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren, and five great-great grandchildren.
The funeral service for Bennie S. Cowboy will take place on Wednesday, Nov. 10, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. (MST) at Cope Memorial Chapel in Gallup, N.M.