Charles D. Cowan

Charles DeHart Cowan, was welcomed home by his Lord and Savior on April 8, 2018 after losing his brilliant mind and body to a bitter, yet brave, battle with dementia.

Charles Dehart Cowan “Charlie” was born to William Hamilton Cowan and Georgia Zada Cowan on October 19, 1922, in St. Louis, MO. One of his first childhood achievements was earning his Eagle Scout. As a young teen, Charlie made the most important decision of his life, and that was to accept Jesus as his Savior.  God gifted him with musical ability and he loved to sing for the Lord.

Charlie graduated from Enoch Miller HS in Liberty MO in 1939 at the age of 16. He went on to further his education by attending William Jewel College from 1939-1940. Charles taught for the Army at Georgia Tech from 1942-1943.  He then joined in the Maritime Service as a Merchant Marine and served our Country during World War II. 

During the years of 1944 to 1946, he sailed around the world working as a radio officer on board ship.  In 1946 Chuck attended Kansas State College working toward a degree in Engineering. He changed course in his education and earned his License to Preach at Bob Jones University on February 2, 1948. He then went on to graduate Magna Cum Laude with a BA in Religion on May 31, 1950. 

The Bible was his favorite book.  He enjoyed studying and sought to live by the principles of God’s word his entire life.  It was at Bob Jones University that he met the love of his life, Barbara (Barbie) Jones and where they were married on June 3,1950. Their love for each other has only grown stronger and they have cherished each other their entire lives.

Chuck and Barbara moved to Charleston, SC after he was called to serve in the US Navy during the Korean Conflict from 1951-1953.  After serving his country, Chuck and Barb moved back to Kansas where he continued his education at K-State receiving his Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering on July 30,1954. 

Other noticeable achievements include Honor Society April 24,1954; EKN Honor Society April 29, 1954; IRE Recognition May 27, 1954. Chuck and Barbie then moved to Cedar Rapids, IA where he worked for Collins Radio.  On July 1,1955 he joined the IRE.  It was in Iowa that Chuck and Barb had three children whom they cherished.  In 1960 they moved to Ames, IA, where he taught Electrical Engineering at Iowa State University, and earned his M.S. on May 26, 1962. He would later go on to earn a Ph. D in Electrical Engineering on November 11, 1980. 

Chuck and Barb raised their family in Ames, which was one of the biggest joys of his life. He was an active member of Campus Baptist Church in Ames, leading the congregation in music and conducting the church choir. Chuck enjoyed camping and took his family on summer vacations every year, managing to visit all the mainland states and many of the National Parks. 

In 1983, Chuck partially retired and moved to Ada, OH, where he taught four years at Ohio Northern University.  Charles retired in 1987 and he and Barbara moved to Brevard, NC, the Land of Waterfalls. He volunteered for the Pisgah National Forest as a Park Ranger and spent his days hiking to waterfalls, clearing and creating trails in the forest. Charles and Barbara served and supported Bethany Baptist Church in Brevard. He also served as President and Treasurer on the HOA Board for Waterford Place where they resided while in Brevard.

As the grandchildren came along he enjoyed taking them hiking in the mountains to discover nature and see some of the many waterfalls. He and Barbara were able to travel abroad and within the US, thoroughly enjoying their retirement years together.

They moved to Indianapolis in 2012. Hamilton Trace Assisted Living Home became home in 2016.  A few months later he was moved to Memory Care where a professional and caring “Chuck Team” met his needs while waiting patiently for the Lord to take him "Home”. 

Charles DeHart Cowan was preceded in death by his loving parents, William Hamilton Cowan and Georgia Zada Cowan; sister, Sue Cowan Freeman; two brothers, William (Billy) H. Cowan Jr.  and Donald P. Cowan; cousin, Jeanne Cowan Boatman.  

Family members surviving are his beloved wife of 67 years, Barbara Jones Cowan of Fishers, IN; she will be loved and comforted by their son, Douglas O’dell Cowan of Saint Augustine, FL; daughters, Rebecca Jeanne Cowan (John Mankey) of Saint Augustine, FL and  Deborah (Daniel) Davenport of Fishers, IN; grandchildren, Jonathan (Brandi) Mankey of Saint Augustine, FL, Miranda (Matthew) Wickman of Boone, IA,  Joel (Rachael) Davenport of Noblesville, IN, Oksana (Caleb) Hoag of Indianapolis, IN and Stephen L. Davenport of Fishers, IN; three great-grandchildren, Logan and Cameron Wickman of Boone, IA and Layna Rae Mankey of Saint Augustine, FL as well as many others whose lives he touched.

Bussell Family Funerals is privileged to assist the family in arrangements.

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