Curtis Edward Cowan of Chester
Curtis Edward Cowan, 89, of Chester, passed away at 1:10 a.m. Monday, June 25, 2018 at his home in Chester.
He was born to Curtis R. and Essie Mae (nee Chitwood) Cowan on Dec. 10, 1928 in Hornersville, Missouri.
He married Leona Smith on Dec. 11, 1948 in Chester. 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, where he was baptized with his son, Mike Cowan.
He married Carol Graff on April 7, 2005 and she survives.
Curtis and Carol enjoyed traveling, being snowbirds, and always looked forward to celebrating family events together. Carol's loving care of Curtis during his final days brought much comfort to the family.
He enlisted in the U.S. 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.
Curtis was instrumental in organizing AFSCME in Illinois and worked for them for almost three 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 Dec. 12, 1953 as a guard and was promoted to sergeant. He then started with the Electrolux Sales Corp. where he excelled as a salesman and later became the regional manager for Electrolux for 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 include his wife, Carol Cowan of Chester; six sons, Ed (Deb) Cowan of Chester, Roger (Donna) Cowan of Chester, Dan (Tammy) Cowan of Chester, Mike (Ginger) Cowan of Chester, John (Tanya) Cowan of Steeleville, and Joe Cowan (Jenny) of Chester; five stepsons, Jeffrey Graff of Columbia, Illinois, Timothy Graff of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Daniel Graff of St. Louis, Gregory (Michelle) Graff of Chesterfield, Missouri and Kevin Graff of Dupo, Illinois; two brothers, Ronald (Barbara) Cowan of Alton and Kenneth (Glenda) Cowan of Cobden; one sister, Barbara (Bill) Olendorf of Yemassee, South Carolina; 20 grandchildren; three step-grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; one great-great grandson; and numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Leona Cowan; two brothers, Stanley Cowan and Lindell Cowan; and two sisters, Janette Cowan and Joyce Lloyd.
Funeral service will begin at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 30, at Pechacek-McClure Funeral Home, 839 Lehmen Drive, Chester, with Rev. Tim McIntyre officiating. Interment will be at Evergreen Cemetery in Chester.
Visitation is 5-8 p.m. Friday and 10-11 a.m. Saturday at Pechacek-McClure Funeral Home, Chester.
Memorials may be made to the family. To view this obituary and sign the register book visit www.pmfh.net.