Ron Cowan, formerly of Sparta
James Ronald "Ron" Cowan, 85, went home to be with the Lord at 3:18 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 10, 2020 at his home, surrounded by his loved ones.
He was born in Alton, Illinois on May 9, 1935 to Curtis R. and Essie Mae (Chitwood) Cowan. Ron graduated from Sparta High School in Sparta, Illinois, and attended Southern Illinois University-Carbondale.
He also graduated from Faith Bible Institute and holds honorary bachelor's and master's degree from Great Plains Baptist Divinity School in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
Ron was ordained into the ministry of the gospel in September 1969 at First Baptist Church in Grafton, Illinois, where he remained a faithful member up until his death. He pastored Grace Baptist Church in East Alton, Illinois, was interim pastor at Faith Baptist Church in Bridgeton, Missouri and associate pastor at Fundamental Bible Church in Los Osos, California.
For 21 years, Ron was passionate about publishing and editing a biblical and patriotic monthly newsletter, "Faith and Freedom Sentinel."
For many years, he was a juvenile correction officer for the state Of Illinois, devoting over 32 years to working with delinquent youth at the Illinois Youth Center at Pere Marquette in Grafton. He was lovingly known by the teens he worked with as "Mr. Gizmo." For the two years of the shutdown at Pere Marquette, he transferred to the adult correctional facility in Taylorville, Illinois.
He married the former Barbara Reynolds on June 27, 1969 in Los Angeles, and together they were blessed with 52 wonderful years. He will always be lovingly remembered at a devoted husband, a loving father to his three daughters, and the proudest "Papa" to his grandchildren.
Surviving are his wife, Barbara Cowan of Alton; his three daughters, Jana (Chris) McGinness of Mulberry Grove, Illinois, Lori (Chris) Dafoe of Port Orchard, Washington and Krista (Harry) Lam of O'Fallon, Illinois; grandchildren, Brett Griffin, Garrett McGinness, Aubrey McGinness and Philip Lam; great-grandson, Hayden Griffin; one brother, Kenneth (Glenda) Cowan of Cobden, Illinois; one sister, Barbara (Bill) Olendorf of Yemassee, South Carolina; two sisters in-law, Bernice and Carol; and many nieces, nephews and beloved family members.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three brothers, Stanley Cowan, Lindell Cowan and Curtis Cowan; a sister, Joyce Lloyd; and a sister in infancy, Janette Cowan.
Private family visitation and services will be conducted at the Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville.
Family and friends are invited to graveside services at 1 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 17, 2020 at the Scenic Hill Cemetery in Grafton. Rev. William Hendricks will officiate.
A memorial service and celebration of his life will be held at a later date.
The family wishes memorial contributions be made to Northwoods Foundation, which provides financial assistance to those in need, in care of Crawford Funeral Home.
Memories may be shared at www.crawfordfunerals.com.