Curtis Edward Cowan

CURTIS EDWARD COWAN, 89 , of Chester, Illinois, passed away at 1:10 am, on Monday, June 25, 2018 at his home in Chester, Illinois.

He was born to Curtis R. and Essie Mae (nee Chitwood) Cowan on December 10, 1928 in Hornersville, Missouri.

He married Leona Smith on December 11, 1948 in Chester, Illinois.  She preceded him in death on July 28, 1990.

Together they raised six sons and enjoyed watching their family grow together as they were blessed with many grandchildren and great grandchildren until she was taken home to be with the Lord at the young age of 58.

Curtis accepted Christ as his Savior and became a member of Parish Park Baptist Church in Marion, Illinois, where he was baptized with his son, Mike Cowan.

He married Carol Graff on April 07, 2005 and she survives.

Curtis and Carol enjoyed traveling, being snowbirds, and always looked forward to celebrating family events together.  Carols’ loving care of Curtis during his final days brought much comfort to the family.

He enlisted in the United States Army and was based in Fort Lewis, Washington where he served with the Military Police and also in the Philippines.  He was a member of the American Legion Alva Courier Post #487 in Chester.

He was instrumental in organizing AFSCME in Illinois and worked for them for almost 3 years organizing Unions at other facilities from one end of the state to the other.

He was hired and worked for the Illinois Security Hospital (later named Mental Health Facility) on December 12, 1953 as a Guard and was promoted to Sergeant.

He then started with the Electrolux Sales Corporation Where he excelled as a salesman and later became the Regional Manager for Electrolux over several cities throughout Illinois.

Curtis was a highly self-motivated individual and taught all of his sons a strong work ethic.

Curtis loved and adored all of his children and grandchildren and they were all recipients of his positive attitude, endearing banter, and endless generosity.

Survivors:

Wife:                   Carol Cowan                                        Chester, IL

6 Sons:               Ed (Deb) Cowan                                  Chester, IL

Roger (Donna) Cowan                         Chester, IL

Dan (Tammy) Cowan                           Chester, IL

Mike (Ginger) Cowan                          Chester, IL

John (Tanya) Cowan                            Steeleville, IL

Joe Cowan (Jenny)                               Chester, IL

5 Stepsons:         Jeffrey Graff                                        Columbia, IL

Timothy Graff                                      Albuquerque, NM

Daniel Graff                                         St. Loui, MO

Gregory Graff (Michelle)                     Chesterfield, MO

Kevin Graff                                          Dupo, IL

2 Brothers:         Ronald (Barbara) Cowan                     Alton, IL

Kenneth (Glenda) Cowan                    Cobden, IL

1 Sister:             Barbara (Bill) Olendorf                        Yemassee, SC

20 Grandchildren

3 Step Grandchildren

23 Great Grandchildren

1 Great Great Grandson

Numerous Nieces, Nephews, Relatives and Friends

Preceded in death by: Parents, First Wife – Leona Cowan, 2 Brothers – Stanley Cowan and Lindell Cowan, 2 Sisters – Janette Cowan and Joyce Lloyd,

Funeral Service :        11:00 am, Saturday, June 30, 2018

Pechacek-McClure Funeral Home, Chester, Illinois

Officiating: Rev. Tim McIntyre

Interment :                  Evergreen Cemetery

Chester, Illinois

Visitation :                   Friday, 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Saturday, 10:00 am – 11:00 am

Pechacek-McClure Funeral Home, Chester, Illinois

Memorials: To The Family