Duke Cowden

Stephen Douglas (Duke) Cowden, Jr., age 27 most recently from Knoxville, TN, passed away on July 10, 2025. Duke was born on November 26, 1997 alongside his twin sister Kate, with whom he shared an unwavering bond, to Steve and Susan Cowden of Nashville, TN. He grew up in Nashville and Franklin, where he was known for his passion and talent in the visual arts. He graduated from Independence High School in 2016, where he was a member of the National Arts Honor Society, winning many awards and accolades. He was awarded a portfolio scholarship to Savannah College of Art and Design, where he was a member of the Rising Star program in 2015, and attended one year of college. Deciding to pursue a career in the beauty industry, he graduated from the Douglas J. Aveda Institute in Knoxville, TN, where he has worked since 2019, and holding a cosmetology license. Positions have included being a make up artist, sales representative, and consultant. He was most recently in a consultant role with Sun Tan City, where he was awarded employee of the month just this past June. His manager described Duke as "a light for all of us, and for the company."

He had many close friends who have shared their love for Duke, as "one of the purest, funniest, and most genuine people ever met." He was a champion for young people navigating life through struggles and volunteered his time providing beauty services and his own personal story through local non-profit organizations.

Duke was preceded in death by his grandparents, Paula Hensley, Duke Kennedy, and Fred Cowden. He is survived by his loving and supportive parents, Steve and Susan Cowden, his sister Paula Katherine Marenic (Tristan), grandmother Ann Meador, uncles Mark Cowden, John Cowden and Rob Kennedy, and many loving cousins. Donations in Duke's honor can be made to youth advocacy and animal rescue organizations of choice.

A small private family burial will be held in Nashville at West End Methodist Church, where he will be laid to rest beside his grandfather Duke Kennedy, and many other members of the Cowden family.