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1922
2017
John Cowans age 95 a lifelong educator and Gary resident, passed away at his home surrounded by loved ones on Monday, November 6, 2017. He was born March 1, 1922 in Union Springs, Alabama and moved to Gary in 1956. He taught at Drew Elementary School for 32 years before retiring from Gary Public Schools in 1988 and was the first Black Vice-President of the Indiana State Teacher's Association from 1966 to 1969. He was preceded in death by his wife Roberta in 2003. John will be lovingly remembered by his five daughters, Carmen, Cheryl, Vickie, Judy, and Emelia, seven grand-children, ten great-grand-children, two great-great grand-children, one sister-in-law, and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. A memorial service in celebration of John's life will be held on Sunday, November 26, 2017 at 3 p.m. at First Baptist Church, 626 W. 21st Avenue, Gary.
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May God bless the family of Mr. Cowans. Mr. Cowans was my science teacher at Charles R. Drew School from the years of 1983 until 1985. He also taught my mom; her brothers and sisters; my sister; and my cousins. I looked up to Mr. Cowans and the late Mr. James Black. I wish my daughters could have experienced educators like we were blessed to have...Rest easy Mr. Cowans.
Sheila class of 1991
January 3, 2018
He's my great uncle. Very special Human. He love the pursuit of knowledge. He will always be remembered. Love you Sir
A R
November 26, 2017
Condolences and strength to the Cowans as you all carry on the legacy of Mr. John. Safe travels to you all and let The Restoration Community Church, Inc. know if there is anything you all need help with.
Ursula Rowland
Acquaintance
November 23, 2017
What a wonderful full life you had! Although I've never met you, I feel like I know you through your daughter Me-ME. Her character, warmth and loving and caring nature can only be inherited through you and I know you were/are very proud of her. My heart and condolonces go out to you Me-Me and your entire Cowans family. May God continue to comfort you during this difficult time. Shani Blount
Shani Blount
Friend
November 23, 2017
Warm love and condolences from our entire Taylor Family. His love, strength and influence lives on in his children. Prayers for all Mr. Cowans family and friends, especially close to our hearts, my sister in law, Emelia.
Gerri Taylor
Family
November 22, 2017
Mr. Cowan's service and dedication to the children of Gary while expecting and receiving excellent from them is greatly appreciated. Sincere thanks to the family for sharing him with us, especially at Drew School. Our prayers of comfort to each of you!
Rosie G. Washington
November 15, 2017
Mr Cowans was a Leader . The history of life in Gary he told me about.
And activities he was part of shock me.
And it was a learning experience for sure. I will remember the information.
I met his daughter Vickie
At Indiana University Northwest.
We are friends till this day..
The Cowans Family have my upmost sympathy and God Bless All
Annie Vance
November 12, 2017
MR. COWANS WAS MY 6TH GRADE TEACHER AND REMAINED MY FAVORITE TEACHER THROUGHOUT MY SCHOOL YEARS. HE WAS A GREAT TEACHER AS WELL AS A KIND MAN. MY PRAYERS GO OUT TO HIS FAMILY.
Dorothy Hazelett Rosborough
November 10, 2017
God grant comfort to all of the family and friends of a great teacher and innovator.
Cheryl McDowell-Downs
November 9, 2017
Mr. Cowans was an honored and respected teacher/mentor.
He had a positive impact on my life while I was his student and it continued when I became an adult. May The Peace Of The Almighty God Be upon him and the Cowan's Family.
Rev Duane B. Grant
November 9, 2017
Mr. Cowans was my Science teacher at Drew Elementary. He was passionate about Science and his students ability to learn beyond the stars. A great teacher.
May you rest in heaven.
Angela Grant-Grady
November 9, 2017
I remember Mr.Cowans. Great teacher, great memories. His daughter Cheryl was my classmate. My prayer are with Cheryl and the Cowans family. May you rest in PEACE!
Debra C. Hill
November 9, 2017
My thoughts and prayers are with Mr. Cowan's family. It's good to know that your loved one made an impact on someone else's life. So I choose to light a candle on his behalf because he was a light to so many others in Gary's school system. He was a kind, gentle, and a soft spoken man. He walked the hallways of Drew and taught in that manner. May you feel God's presence especially during this time in your lives.
Regina McCloud
November 9, 2017
I do remember Mr. Cowans! I remember him as being a quiet giant ... spoke softly and was very nice. I am sure he touched thousands of children for good going through the school system. My thoughts and prayers and with his family. He done good!
Regina McCloud
November 9, 2017
I extend my heartfelt condolences to the Family. I am employed at Towne Centre Retirement facility and I had the honorable pleasure of servicing Mr. Cowans. What an honour!! He shared great memories with me of his earlier accomplishments and shared a few poems that he had written years ago.
Tho his stay with us was not long there, I WILL NEVER FORGET THIS GUY AND I WILL NEVER FORGET THE WORDS OF ENCOURAGMENT THAT HE SHARED WITH ME.
My prayers are definitely with his family at this time.
Eunice Foley
November 9, 2017
He was my 6th grade teacher at Charles R.Drew school on 21 Mississippi St. He was a great person. He made it easy to learn. May he Rest in Peace !!
Willie Price
November 8, 2017
Mr. Cowans placed a spark in me for science at Drew Elementary 5th/6th grade. So much that I was frequently student of the month and an aspiring astronaut. God continue to comfort and heal the hearts of the family and may his legacy live on...
~Averyl Hudson
November 8, 2017
May the Hand of God reach down from Heaven to comfort and give you peace during this time
Aliciea Forrest
November 8, 2017
Sending my Heartfelt love to my Dear Friend Cheryl Batteast and the Cowans Family in this time of sorrow know that your love one is resting safety in the Arms of our precious Lord and saviour may God continue to comfort and strengten you each and everyday. Prayerfully Alicia Forrest
Aliciea Forrest
November 8, 2017
To the family,
Mr Cowans is at peace. Think of the good times and smile. Mr Cowans was one of my teachers at Drew School in 64-65 school year. I ran into your father in '10, give or take a year, and we must have talked for about a half an hour. May The Creator bring you peace during this time.
Michael & Ermalene Gault Sr
November 8, 2017
My deepest sympathies for your loss, May the God of all comfort bring your family peace . Romans 12:12
November 8, 2017
So sorry to hear of your loss. I played and learned bridge with Roberta and bowled on the team with John in the Gary Teachers League at Tri City. Both were loyal, encouraging and loving friends... May you find peace in the love of God,family and friends.
Alta Allen
Alta Allen
November 8, 2017
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Funeral services provided by:
Guy & Allen Funeral Directors, Inc.2959 West 11th Avenue, Gary, IN 46404
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