Kenneth Leon Cowen

Kenneth Leon Cowen, 76 of Azle passed away Saturday, November 9, 2024 in his home due to heart complications.

 He was born May, 19, 1948 to Leon and Burnice Cowen(Hays) . He grew up and attended school in Pampa, Texas where he graduated in 1967. After graduation he immediately joined the military and served for 22 years in the Marine and Army Corps. Which included 3 tours of Vietnam, one tour of the DMZ in Korea, and multiple duty stations across the globe. He received several medals and commendation including the purple heart, air medal, and conduct among others. After retiring he continued serving his country while working at the Social Security Administration for 17 years while also pursuing a business degree with DeVry Institute. He worked various jobs alongside his service such as movie projectionist, concert security guard, and security guard at Six Flags over Texas to name a few.  In 2002 he found employment with the Sheriff's Dept. in Pagosa Springs, Colorado where he worked for 10 years until finally returning to Texas to retire.

Kenneth was happily married to Kathryn Cowen who was his partner in life for 48 years until her passing in 2019. He then remarried in 2023 to Zhuxiang Ye and they lived happily until his death.

 He is preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Deanna Smith; stepfather, Marland Hays; and his beloved wife, Kathryn Cowen.

 Kenneth enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He was quick to volunteer when help was needed and was somewhat of a thrill seeker. From jumping out of planes, scuba diving, demolition derby, and Jeep off roading. He knew how to have fun.

 He is survived by his wife, Zhuxiang Ye; daughter, Angela John and husband, David of Sealy, Texas; son, Kris Cowen and wife, Christine of Willis, Texas; daughter, Kayleen Schaefer and husband, Todd of Saginaw, Texas; 6 grandchildren, Kyle, Savannah, Shane, Audrey, Emily, Lauren; his sister in law, Jacque Haddock and her husband, Greg of Pampa, Texas; a brother in law, Larry Short of Decatur, Texas, and numerous nieces and nephews. 

 Friends and family are invited to attend a celebration of life gathering on Friday, November, 29, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. Whites Funeral Home 105 Denver trail, Azle Texas 76020.