William Cowan

William Cowan was born in Kensett, Arkansas on September 27, 1926 to the late Milton and Ceola Jackson Cowan. He departed this life on March 25, 2013 at his home. He retired as a track foreman from Union Pacific Railroad (formerly known as Missouri Pacific) in 1991 with 29 years of service. After retirement, he worked for the Yarnell family for a few years. He was a faithful member of Arnold Tabernacle CME in Kensett, Arkansas. He served in many different capacities at Arnold Tabernacle from Chairman of the Steward Board, Recording Steward, Sunday School Superintendent, Sunday School Teacher, member of the Trustee Board, and a member of the Choir. He also served in various community activities throughout his life. He was the first Black City Councilman in Kensett, Arkansas in which he served for 18 years, Founder and President of the White County Singing Federation, the Board of Directors and as Chairperson for the Community Action Program of Central Arkansas, Commander of the American Legion Post #457, Scout Master for the Boy Scouts, the Board of Directors for the Daily Citizen Newspaper in Searcy, Arkansas, a member of the Brotherhood of Maintenance A Way, President of the White County Democratic Club, and the White County Democratic Party Central Committee. William was preceded in death by his parents; one daughter, Deborah Brown; two brothers, John Cowan, M.C. Cowan; and three sisters, Therotha Mount, Helen Arnold, and Ophelia Curry. He leaves to cherish his memory; his wife of 65 years, Ola Mae Mitchell Cowan; four daughters, Flora Curtis of Searcy, Larine Cowan of Urbana, Illinois, Evelyn Joyce Cowan of Champaign, Illinois, Jewel (Clyde) Stearns of Dallas, Texas, Jeanette Cowan of Kensett; eight grandchildren, James Anthony (Ronda) Brewer of Russellville, Arkansas, Paula (Richard) Baker of Kensett, Christopher Cowan of Champaign, Alexander Cowan of Champaign, Audra Cowan of Champaign, William (Damaris) Cowan of Savory, Illinois, James (Chanell) Brown of Chicago, Illinois, LaKita (Michael) Watson of Judsonia; one brother, Oscar Cowan of Las Vegas, Nevada; two sisters-in-law, Lillie Mitchell and Frances Mitchell, both of Hot Springs, Arkansas; and a host of great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.

William Cowan

September 27, 1926 - March 25, 2013