William "Bill" Cowan

William Randolph ?Bill? Cowan, 86, Union, passed away Saturday, August 16, 2025, at his home, surrounded by his loving family.

William Randolph "Bill" Cowan was born June 25, 1939 in Leslie, to Albert and Viola (nee' Weirich) Cowan.

Bill received his education at Gray Summit Grade School and graduated from Washington High School in 1957. He continued his education at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas. Bill joined the United States Army on December 1, 1961. He attained the rank of SP5 and proudly served his country until he was honorably discharged from active duty on November 19, 1964. He continued the remainder of his service obligation in the United States Army Reserves through October 31, 1967.

Bill was united in marriage to Karen Krekemeier on June 19, 1965, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Union. The couple made their home in Union and their marriage was blessed with three children. Bill worked various jobs throughout the course of his career and fully retired in 2004. He enjoyed a variety of hobbies and interests throughout his life. In high school, Bill excelled at basketball and baseball. He was signed to the Chicago Cubs minor-league baseball team in 1958. Bill's love for baseball continued throughout his life and he played on several fast-pitch softball teams over the years. He was active with Little League baseball several years and served as the organization's treasurer. Bill also enjoyed golfing and tending to yardwork. He loved each member of his family dearly and enjoyed spending time with them.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Viola (nee' Weirich) Cowan; parents-in-law, August and Edna (nee' Fink) Krekemeier; son-in-law, Randy Mercer; daughter-in-law, Christie Cowan (nee' Green); sister, Darlene Becker (Emmett); brother-in-law, Roy Warden; nephew, George Becker; and great-nephew, Tharin Cowan.

He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Karen Cowan, Union; three children Pamela Mercer, Leslie, Curtis Cowan, and Deanna Colombo and husband Joe all of Union; nine grandchildren, Derek (Andrea) Mercer, Dan (Ashley) Mercer, Adrienne Mercer, Jake (Whitney) Gildehaus, Brittany Gildehaus, Wade (Megan) Gildehaus, Dalton Colombo, Alison Colombo, and Skylar Colombo; nine great-grandchildren; one sister, Rose Marie Duckett and husband Frank, Williamsburg, Virginia; three brothers: Clarence Cowan and wife Janice, Republic, Ronald Cowan and wife Jane, Washington, and Richard Cowan and wife Maunawaun of McKinney, Texas; sister-in-law, Donna Warden, Union; along with nieces; nephews; other relatives and many dear friends.

Memorial visitation for 86-year-old Bill Cowan was held from 4 to 7 p.m. on Friday, August 22, at Oltmann Funeral Home, Union.

Interment was held privately.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Mercy Hospice-Washington or the Martin-Weirich Cemetery.

The Cowan family was served by Oltmann Funeral Home, Union.