Michael "Chilli" Aaron Cowden

1999 Fort Cherry graduate. Michael Aaron "Chilli" Cowden, 25, of Hickory, died at 12:25 a.m. Tuesday, August 2, 2005, in Jackson Top, N.J., from injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident. He was born December 30, 1979, in Washington, a son of James Gregory Cowden of Hickory and Marci Jo Zinn of Houston. Mr. Cowden graduated from Fort Cherry High School in 1999. He was a water tower painter for World Wide Industries of Chesterland, Ohio. Previously, he was a self-employed mechanic. Surviving, in addition to his parents, are a son, Chase Anthony Pertile of Del Ray Beach, Fla.; his stepmother, Lori Cowden; three brothers, James Gregory Cowden Jr. of Hickory, Jeffrey Andrew Cowden, at home, and Harry Wilson Jr. of Midway; a sister, Haylee Zinn of Houston; his paternal grandparents, Allan (Dale) and Martha J. Cowden of Washington; his maternal grandparents, Sharon Amos of Hickory and Tom Daley of Westland; his maternal stepgrandmother, Kathleen McElhany of Titusville; a nephew, Jac Cowden; and a niece, Emilee Beth Cowden. Friends will be received from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday and 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday in William G. Neal Funeral Homes Ltd., 925 Allison Avenue, Washington, where services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, August 6, with the Rev. Doug Reinard officiating. Private burial in Mt. Prospect Cemetery will be held at the family's convenience.