Ralph Eugene Cowan

Ralph Eugene Cowan, 84, was born in Edinburg, Texas on May 2, 1941, and passed away on September 1, 2025.
Ralph was known far and wide for his remarkable marksmanship. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, he was the man to beat in area shooting competitions-but more often than not, competitors came up short against his sharp skills and competitive edge. One of his most unique talents was his ability to shoot a straight in skeet from the hip, a feat few could match.
He was an active member of the Dupont Gun Club during his prime, later joining the Stein Gun Club, where he spent countless hours helping to run events alongside close friends. Most recently, Ralph was honored with a Lifetime Membership at the Victoria Skeet & Trap Gun Club-an achievement that reflected both his dedication and his impact on the shooting community.
As time went on, Ralph transitioned from being a competitor to a mentor. He had a gift for teaching, and there are many stories of how he transformed average shooters into aggressive "A" Class competitors. His guidance and encouragement left a lasting mark on those he coached.
Ralph's adventurous spirit stretched far beyond shooting. He loved fast cars, boats, and motorcycles-and throughout his life, he owned many of them. Friends and family will fondly remember the thrill of riding in one of his speedboats or motorcycles, often accompanied by his trademark saying: "Go big or go home, boys." He was known for owning some of the fastest boats in the area and enjoyed sharing that excitement with others.
He also cherished the outdoors, spending many nights at the deer lease surrounded by lifelong friends. For Ralph, challenges were meant to be faced head-on, work was meant to be done with pride, and life was meant to be enjoyed to the fullest.
Ralph never met a stranger and could always be counted on to share a great story from one of his many adventures. Most of all, he will be remembered for his unforgettable smile-a smile that reflected his joy for life and the warmth he shared with everyone he met.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Stanely and Helen Cowan; his brother, Bill Cowan; and his loving wife of 45 years, Linda Cowan.
He is survived by his children, Debra Hartman (Butch), Lisa Rousseau (Mark), and stepson Eddie Rice Jr (Marie); his sister, Marilyn Kieffer; his grandchildren, Blaze Hartman (Robyn), Chassity Crisman (Cody), Sage Oden (Chris), Chase Rousseau (Ashley), Drake Rousseau (Amber), Kortni Rice, Eddie Rice III; and his great grandchildren, Jayde, Bowen, Abby, Brooklyn, and Adelaide; and his bonus family Robert and Fayann Thompson, and their children Reagan, Haley, and Brodie Thompson.
A graveside service will be held on Thursday September 4, 2025, at 3:00pm at Memory Gardens Cemetery, followed by a Celebration of Life from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Son Valley Ranch. Family and friends are invited to attend and share memories of Ralph's remarkable life.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be to Hospice of South Texas Dornburg Center of Compassion.