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Gordon Cowden Obituary
At 51, he was the oldest of the victims killed in the shooting. He lived in Aurora, but was described as a "true Texas gentleman" in a family statement. He loved the outdoors and owned his own business.
"A quick witted world traveler with a keen sense of humor, he will be remembered for his devotion to his children and for always trying his best to do the right thing, no matter the obstacle," his family said.
His teenage children escaped the shooting unharmed.
His family declined to be interviewed in their request for privacy but expressed appreciation for words of concern offered in the wake of the shooting.
"Our hearts go out to everyone that has been harmed by this senseless tragedy," they said.
Copyright © 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
306 Entries
A.L.
July 20, 2019
Remembering you today. Be at peace..
A.L.
June 21, 2019
In lasting and honourable memory of this fellow who did not die In vain.
jessie cowden
August 24, 2015
My name is Jessie Cowden of Yorktown Va. I just learned that a Cowden was called home. I am always saddened to hear we lost another one. My condolences to the family. I like to think that we Cowdens are all related in some way. May God bless and keep you.
Jessie Paul Cowden Sr.
Dwayne Bickham,Sr.
August 8, 2015
In God's care rest in peace
How you can show support
August 6, 2013
To the Gordon Cowden family, grief has no time limit,, may God strengthen your family and that the love for your love one, Gorden, be a source of comfort for You. Keep your precious memories of him strong in your minds and hearts.
James Ortiz
December 20, 2012
I just found out Gordon has passed on. I was a friend of Gordon At HPU. I have always tried to contact Gordon. I am truly sadden by his passing . Gordon, I know you are in heaven and one day we will see each other again. God be with the family and friends.
JoAnn Avinger
October 10, 2012
Mollie and George, I was so sorry today to read in the Baylor Magazine that you lost your younger son in Aurora this summer. I also noticed that Mary Jane died recently. We were friends back in the 50's at Baylor.
JoAnn Dyson Avinger
Zc
September 12, 2012
So sorry to hear about your loss. Stay strong and persevere.
Debbi Gray
August 23, 2012
Dear Cowden Family,
Please accept my deepest sympathy for the loss of your precious loved one. My heart goes out to you all. In the summer of 1974, after my freshman year of college, I served in the summer missions program for the Rio Grande River Ministry. My place of residence for that summer was in the home of Francis Cowden of Pearsall, TX. I remember hearing about her three children and their families, and even got to meet some of you. She was such a godly woman and had a great influence on my life and remains one of my favorite people to this day. It took me awhile to make the connection, but when a friend from Cleburne called and said that Shirley Cowden's brother-in-law was one of the victims, I remembered. You all have been so much on my mind and in my prayers. I pray that God will comfort and strengthen your family,and that you will feel His loving arms around you.
Debbi Gray
James Veurink
August 13, 2012
Dear Cowden family,
I wept for you. I too am a 51 year old appraiser. Your 2 daughters look remarkably like they could be a twin to my teenage daughter. I can't imagine what you're going through. I lost my father in 1996. I look forward to the day that we will all be together in our Father's house. My the Lord comfort you. He won't leave you nor will He forsake you. You are in my prayers.
Sincerely,
Suzanne Luper
August 2, 2012
I am stunned and greatly saddened by this senseless loss. I am thinking of all of you.
Suzanne Ware Luper
Adrian Hankins
August 2, 2012
I have had the pleasure of becoming close with George and Mollie Cowden over the years, as they are one of my most favorite regulars at the restaurant I work at. I was sickened at the story of the shootings in Colorado, and was kind of avoiding any coverage becuase I knew it would break my heart hearing those stories. I then was out of the state on a family vacation, and upon my return to work I learned that Gordon, precious son of George and Mollie was one of the many to lose his life that night. This news has broken my heart completley, as George has become like a grandfather to me- the grandfather that I never had. I've had the pleasure of meeting Gordon a couple of times, and I could tell George was so proud to him his son. I could also tell what a great man he was, what a loving and tender heart he has. I am deeply saddned for the entire Cowden family for having to suffer the loss of such a great man. My whole heart goes out to your family, and my thoughts and prayers will be with you for a lifetime.
August 1, 2012
To Gordon's family and friends: The lost of your life in such a senseless tragedy will not be forgotten. You live on through your children. The pictures of you and your four children show such a beautiful family. All the world grieves for you and the 11 other people who lost their life. It is so hard to understand why these things happen. I wish you could real all the beautiful messages in this guest book. Rest in peace in our loving Father's arms. You may be gone but never forgotten.
Jeanie Todd
July 31, 2012
Cowden Family,
We are writing from Jackson, TN. We knew Gordon's grandfather, Homer Waldrop. My husband was in the law firm with Mr. Waldrop, such a fine man. The description of Gordon has reminded us of Mr. Waldrop. We are just now making the connection. Of course, we have been so devastated by this ocurrence in Aurora and now we are even more so. Cowden family , please know you have our heartfelt sympathy. I am thinking that kind, sweet Mr. Homer Waldrop is holding his wonderful grandson Gordon somewhere in heaven as we weep. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Jeanie and James D Todd, Jackson, TN
Terry Traugott
July 30, 2012
So very sorry that someone like Gordon was taken away from his family and friends. He sounds like a perfect example of what the world needs more of. Wish I could have known him. Gordon, see you at the Pearly Gates!
Patrick Smith
July 30, 2012
Gordon your love of life and being a true gentlemen here on earth will not be forgotten. I'm very sure you touched many lives and will now begin your journey to the heavens.
July 29, 2012
Our sincerest condolences to Gordon's family and friends. I had a professional relationship with Gordon right up to my retirement 4 years ago. He was my #1 real estate appraiser and he was just a great guy.
Our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time.
Dave and Linda Rains Arvada, Colorado
July 29, 2012
r.i.p. gordon, may god be with you and your family, love, kristi lee, colorado
R L
July 28, 2012
I offer my prayers for the Gordon's family. I also lost a family member in that senseless shooting and feel your pain. May you find peace on day.
Tim Dirr
July 28, 2012
So sorry for your loss.I listend to Kari Jobe for the first time. Listen to her music.I hope it brings you some peace and comfort.Love you in Jesus name.Tim
Stacey Alvarez
July 28, 2012
My heart and prayers are with you and your family.
Deborah Crader
July 28, 2012
Prayers for your family from ours
Pamela Rogers
July 28, 2012
Hello!
I have signed the book before but I wanted to direct this to the children of Gordon. I am so sorry for the loss of your dad. I know the devastating pain of loosing parents. I had a wonderful relationship with both mom and dad. I never had either one long enough.
I have to say it looked as tho you had a wonderful relationship with your dad. Cherish the quality of time you had with him. There are people in this world that have their parents for 90 yrs but never had a good relationship. I have to say I would have rather had my parents for the short time and had the most wonderful relationship than had then for 90 yrs with a bad one.
Keep him close to your heart as you do the Lord. He may not be here physically with you but the both are walking beside you every day.( The Lord and your dad)
I promise you that.
Carry with you every day what he taught you. He will be proud of you always!
God bless all of you.
Pamela Rogers
Canton, Ohio
Evert Bos
July 28, 2012
Dear family Cowden, I am heart broken and want to send you my deepest feelings of compassion in this terrible time of grieving. Gordon will live in your hearts forever and he will be missed so terribly
July 28, 2012
So sorry for the loss of your father. Thinking of you all during this diffcult time. Rest in Peace Gordon.
Kate H
July 27, 2012
I am so sorry for your loss. You have my deepest sympathies over what happened. Please share your memories with others and let them share theirs with you... I hope that each day that passes you feel a bit better....
di lawrence
July 27, 2012
There are no words that can make sense of this or make it any easier. But Know as of last Friday, Gordon became apart of our family. We cry with you mourn with you and hold you in our hearts.
July 27, 2012
Cowden Family,
My heart goes out to all of you. I am so saddened to hear of this tragic loss. I will continue to pray for your wonderful family.
I am so sorry.
Melanie Uribe, Austin Texas
July 27, 2012
To Gordon Cowden's children. My prayers are with all of you. Please keep in mind that your beloved dearest Dad is there with you in spirit and he will always guide you in everything you do and will be near you as he always did smilingly watching you all grow up. Now no one can harm him. He will continue to love you all wherever you are. He will always be with you. Lots of love to all the children of Gordon Cowden.
Chandrika de Silva, Toronto, Canada
John Rondello
July 27, 2012
My thoughts and prayers are offered for this "gentle giant", and his family and friends. May you be comforted to know that others from near and far are thinking of you and praying for you in your loss, and may you be confident that Gordon in safe and at peace in the hands of God.
Gena VanOsselaer
July 27, 2012
Gaylynn, I was so saddened to learn of the loss of your brother. My heart goes out to you and to your family. Know that you're all in my thoughts and prayers,
Gena
victoria cruey
July 27, 2012
My thoughts and prayers go outto the family and friends of this great man. Taken too soon and in such a senseless way the world mourns you
Ali Shallwani
July 27, 2012
To Gordon's children - stay strong and know that your father's spirit is still very much with you. I lost my father when I was 8 years old and now I am 54. I don't think i ever felt without my father. Someone continued to guide me and take care of me. I never felt alone. So, keep this mind, your dad might not be physically present, but you will still continue to be guided and looked after by him. Trust me, I know. With lots of affection.
Steve Donnellan
July 27, 2012
As a Father myself, I can say that the best measure of a man is his children. Having seen your strength in this terrible time proves that your Dad was a great man. My condolences and prayers are with you.
Margaret
July 27, 2012
For the loved ones of Gordon Cowden, may you find peace in the love and memories of Gordon. God Bless.
Genna Philpott
July 27, 2012
We are truly sorry for your devastating loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this very difficult and painful time.
We grew up with the Cowden family in Waco and have many fond memories of our time together.
May God grant you peace and comfort.
Genna Philpott
Laran Philpott
Paula (Philpott) Durrett
JoEllen
July 27, 2012
I am so sorry for the loss of your father. I hope the wonderful memories you have of him will sustain and inspire you. He seemed to live life to the fullest and I am sure he would want the same for all of you. The thoughts and prayers of millions of people are with you, including mine.
Christine Nardico
July 27, 2012
My heart goes out to the family and all the other families involved in this horrible tragedy. May God grant you & your children strength and courage to get through this tragic time.
Jeanne Shefchunas
July 27, 2012
I am so sorry for your loss. What a great man he must have been. Sympathy from Franklin, PA.
Maria Banks
July 26, 2012
Several members of our church here in San Antonio knew Gordon and speak very highly of him. You all are in my prayers for the Lord to wrap His loving arms around each of you and give you His peace and comfort. God be with each of the family.
Dan M
July 26, 2012
My family and I pray for you. We pray for peace for your family and faith that you will see the Lord's power and unconditional love.
jen snyder
July 26, 2012
thinking of your family during this time...
Karen Miles
July 26, 2012
Saw two of you on CNN. There are no words for such senseless tragedy except sorrow. Many prople's thoughts are with you wishing your family a good future. RIP to your loving father. . .
Sue Ferguson
July 26, 2012
July 26, 2012
I worked with Gordon years ago at Appraisal Associates of Austin. I was so sorry to hear about his tragic death. May you have comfort in knowing that God is with you during this time of loss.
David and Dona Berchelmann
July 26, 2012
Many blessings,thoughts and prayers from all of the Berchelmann family.
Mollie Maree Waldrop Lara
July 26, 2012
George and Mollie Gene,
I'm deeply shocked and saddened by Gordon's death and send you and your family my heartfelt sympathy, with love and prayers.
Eddie & Jerre Gummelt
July 26, 2012
Dear Mollie & Gordon, so sad to hear of your loss. May you & your family know we are praying for you during this difficult time.
July 26, 2012
George and Mollie,
My late parents, John and Ruth Waldrop Hord (G.C. Waldrop's daughter), held you and your family in the highest regard and spoke of you with affection and pride. They would grieve Gorden's death deeply, as my own family now does. May God send comfort and peace to you and all the Cowden family. Elaine Hord Hutchinson
Valarie Little
July 26, 2012
My sincerest condolence to Gorden & his family in this tragic time i'm sending my thoughts heart & prayers to him his family & to the other 11 who lost their lives may god bless you all & comfort all of you
Kent & Kay Babb
July 26, 2012
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Anita Payne
July 26, 2012
Words cannot express the sadness I feel for the loss of Gordon. Although I only knew Gordon as an acquaintance I can speak of his loving ways and the wonderful father he was. I had relationships through Riverbend with Melissa, his children, parents, sister Gay Lynn and brother in law Ken. My heart and prayers are with all of you in this loss. May you be comforted and know how deeply you loved.
Jackie
July 26, 2012
Some things in life just don't make sense. My prayers are with you and may love comfort you.
Don & Danielle Corrick
July 26, 2012
We are so sorry to hear of your tragic loss. Our thoughts and sympathy are with all of the Cowden family.
The Mike Carden Family
July 26, 2012
It's been a pleasure and honor to watch Gordon grow over the years from a young man to a fine father and, obviously, friend to so many. He epitomizes what is right and good in people and our hearts go out to all the Cowdens, who we hold so dear. Our prayers are with you.
Maria T
July 26, 2012
Sorry for your loss.
Cliff & Annette Montry
July 26, 2012
MONTRY FAMILY ~ May the love of those around you, help you through the days ahead!
As we keep you all in our prayers.
July 26, 2012
George 111, Graves, and Family,
I just found out. Sorry for the loss. It just seems that Providence, drought, and hard times has caused our family to be joined at the heart to the Cowdens. The Lord's grace, mercy, and peace to you all. Robby and Kay Hurt and Family. Mountain Home, TX
Betty Helf
July 26, 2012
"I have always known that at last I would take this road, but yesterday I did not know it would be today." (Ariwarano Narihira, 823-880) We are so very sorry that this terrible act has touched your family. Our hearts hurt for you. Sharing tears...
The Odom Family
July 26, 2012
Our deepest condolences to the entire Cowden family. God bless you all.
Tommy & Lila Waldrop
July 26, 2012
Our arms embrace the Cowden family and pray to God with them to grieve their loss. We are so sorry.
Prayers to you all!
Tia Haywood
July 26, 2012
The Chase team here at Mississippi and Buckley wish our deepest sympathy to the Cowden Family.
Wayne Philpott
July 26, 2012
My deepest condolences to George and Molly Cowden and their entire family. George and Molly have been friends from Baylor for many years. My prayers are with you.
Jeffrey Miller
July 26, 2012
I recall Kristian quite clearly as a student with charm, talent, and intelligence. Thank you Gordon, for bringing to the world a person like Kristian who has already made the world a better place. Peace.
July 26, 2012
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this terrible time.
Nancy and Stephen Atnip
Dan and Debra Capperrune
July 25, 2012
Love and light along with prayers for your family at this time of sadness.
We also pray for healing and comfort.
We are so sorry for your tremendous loss of such a wonderful beautiful soul. Love, Pastor Dan and Debra Capperrune
Marlene
July 25, 2012
I live in Aurora. I didn't have the honor of knowing Gordon, but my heart breaks for his family and friends. Especially his children. I can tell that he loved his children so much and I hope they always hold that close to their hearts. I'm so sorry for your loss and that his life was cut short.
Kathleen Dumais
July 25, 2012
My 51 year old husband is paralyzed from the neck down for 32 years today... he is asking how he can help your family. We are here for anyway we can help.
Ellen (Dobson) Banks
July 25, 2012
To The Cowden Family,
Although I did not know Gordon I feel somehow distantly connected to your family as your parents bought my parents house in Dallas on Crooked Lane. You are in my thoughts and prayers. God bless you all.
July 25, 2012
GOD SPEED
VICTORIA REED
July 25, 2012
As a parent of a USMMA midshipman class of 2013 and as a mother , I was saddened and grieved at hearing of the the loss of Gordon in such a senseless crime against innocent souls.Prayers go out to you and your family. May you have time to heal and have strength to endure.
Valerie Sawyer
July 25, 2012
My thoughts are prayers are with you.
John
July 25, 2012
I had the privilege of working with Gordon on a professional level. Our deepest condolences and prayers go out to the entire Cowden Family.
Lisa & Glen Hale
July 25, 2012
Our thoughts and prayers are for all of you at this tragic, sad time. May God give you the peace, strength, love, understanding, and healing you all need. We are so sorry for the loss of Gordon.
July 25, 2012
Our family is deeply saddened for the tragic loss of Gordon. Please know that you ever be in our prayers. Tom Waldrop
Yolanda Muniz
July 25, 2012
I'm so sorry for your loss. I was with the girls for a brief moment that horrible night trying to make sure they were able to reach someone. I wish I would have been able to stay with them longer. No words can comfort you now but know that I'm with you in prayer and your family will forever carry a piece of my heart. Much Love
David Scharenberg
July 25, 2012
God Speed
July 25, 2012
My heart is with your family at this most difficult time
Hannah
July 25, 2012
I did not know Gordon and do not know his family, but I will be praying for you during this time. I am so sorry for your loss; my prayers are with you.
Mary
July 25, 2012
Rest in peace, Gordon. May your loved ones find comfort and strength in their beautiful memories of you.
Kelly Smith
July 25, 2012
To the entire Cowden family. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Charlie Jaynes, Jr and Family
July 25, 2012
Our hearts are broken for such a loss. May God look over and keep your family. You are in our prayers. Our family grieves with yours and all of the victims families.
Kevin
July 25, 2012
Gordon was an amazing man. He life was a living example of God's grace and mercy. He is celebrating in heaven but we will miss you. My prayers are with you all.
Sylvia
July 25, 2012
My sincere sympathy for your great loss. May the Good Lord embrace you during your grief.
Michelle Yates
July 25, 2012
To the Cowden family and friends...while I do not know you, nor did I have the privilege of knowing Gordon Cowden, please know that I am praying for your family. May the Lord lift your family up during this time of grief.
Kenny Camp
July 25, 2012
I am yet another former friend, classmate and intramural sports teammate of Gordon's from Howard Payne. I have had many fond memories come to mind over the past few days as I have thought of Gordon and prayed for his family. May God Bless.
Billie and Bob Veach
July 25, 2012
I did not know Gordon, but I have known
his father George since the Briscoe Administration.. When I heard Austin,
and Cowden, I knew right away it was probably your son.. Bob and I send our thoughts and prayers to the Cowden
family.. Our hearts are sad for your
tragic loss. May God help you through
these mourning times.. RIP Gordon.
Lizette Nielsen
July 25, 2012
Wanted to express my sincere expressions of sadness and hopes that you can take all of this one day at a time, and somehow get through this. God bless your family, and cherish your memories. If I could change places, to bring Gordon back, I would. Thinking of your family, with love and prayers...
remember
Debbie
July 25, 2012
feightner-Arm
July 25, 2012
We are so sorry for your Loss of Gordon ,taken so suddenly words are to express what you and your Family and Loved ones are going through in your time need.I can only Pray our Lord will comfort all of you and keep you surrounded in his Love .RIP Gordon
Deborah Lewis-Smith
July 25, 2012
To all of Gordon Cowden's family and friends,
I am so very sorry for your loss. We know that your loved one rests in peace. I pray for you his children, his parents, his brother and the mother of his children. Know that I am only one among many through out the world who truly cares about you.
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