James E. Cowan

James E. "Jim" Cowan, 77, died Thursday, October 7, 2010, at an Abilene medical center. Born in Rule, Texas on December 4, 1932, Jim was the son of Myrtle (Norman) and James Brooks Cowan. He was a 1951 graduate of Plainview High School and attended Texas Tech University before enlisting in the U.S. Navy in 1953, serving until 1957. Highly regarded as a master mechanic and electrician, he worked for the FAA from 1958 until his retirement in 1985 as Chief Electronic Technician. Since 1960, he had been a resident of Abilene. In 1955, he married Leeanore Stone in San Antonio, Texas. Jim was a member of Pioneer Drive Baptist Church in Abilene, and a 50-year member of Sweetwater Masonic Lodge #571. His parents and one brother, Don Cowan, preceded Jim in death. Jim is survived by his wife, Leeanore "Lee" Cowan of Abilene, and four daughters and their spouses, Donna Williamson and Robert of Leesville, South Carolina, Joni Wagner and Michael of Ash Grove, Missouri, Cheryl Underwood and Brad of Lubbock, Texas, and Karen Mitchell and Pete of Missouri City, Texas. Survivors also include ten grandchildren, Robert Allen, Aaron (Jill), Madeline, Kristen (Jon), Matthew, Rebecca, Sarah, Morgan, Courtney and Jared; four great-grandchildren, Rylan, Rhett, Emilee and Lyla; two sisters, Ann Locke of Pearland, Texas, and Jan Edwards and husband Michael, of Kilgore, Texas; and numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, October 10, at The Hamil Family Funeral Home Chapel, 6449 Buffalo Gap Rd., in Abilene with Rev. H. B. Terry, Jr. officiating. The graveside service will follow in Rule Cemetery in Rule, Texas. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Hendrick Hospice Care, 1682 Hickory St., Abilene, TX 79601, or Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children, 2222 Welborn St., Dallas, TX 75219.