Samuel "Sam" Cowden

Samuel Eugene Cowden passed away on August 28, 2024 in Lubbock, Texas.

Sam was born on May 5, 1959 to Guy Tom “Rooster” and Jean Cowden of Santa Rosa, NM. Sam was raised on the Cowden Ranch which was a place he loved more than anything. In high school, he loved playing football for the Santa Rosa Lions. Sam attended Eastern New Mexico University where he received his bachelor’s degree. He enjoyed roping and the camaraderie between his friends, swapping stories and telling jokes. Sam loved to laugh and truly enjoyed his life-long friendships.

After graduating, Sam returned home to work at Cowden Ranch. In 1987 Sam married the love of his life, the former Kathy Spreen, and soon after had three children: Abby, Hannah and Guy. 

Sam was a member of Santa Rosa Methodist Church. He loved his horses, dogs and even his goldfish, but most of all, he loved his family and being a rancher. Sam was especially proud to be called Sambo by his three grandsons. 

Sam is preceded in death by his maternal and paternal grandparents, his parents and his brother, Tommy.

Sam is survived by his wife Kathy of Santa Rosa, and his children: Abby Cowden Chapman (Jordan), Hannah Cowden—both of Lubbock, TX and Guy Cowden (Brittany) and their children: Tucker, Emerson and Baylor of Santa Rosa. Sam is also survived by his sisters: Christy Cowden Brown (Matt) of Eldorado, TX and Patricia Cowden Shanklin (Souli) of Rock Springs, TX, as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Pallbearers will include: Pete Marez, Herman Martinez, Mark Whetten, Dale Houlihan, Leroy Apodaca, Curt Kelling, Russ Sanford, Kent Best and Carl Hahn. Honorary Pallbearers will be Juanito Jaramillo, Rudy Tenorio, James “Bozo" Cordova, Glenn Gonzales, Guy Cowden, Jordan Chapman, Randy Brown, Karl Agar, Ryan Garrett, Genaro Zitz and Samuel Armendariz.

Visitation with the Cowden family will take place at the Blue Hole Convention Center on Sunday, September 15, 2024 from 4-6PM. 

Memorial Service will be Monday, September 16, 2024 at 1PM at Blue Hole Convention Center in Santa Rosa, with Reverend Ernest Copeland officiating.  

In lieu of flowers, the Cowden Family kindly requests that donations be made to: Santa Rosa Methodist Church Memorial Fund - P.O. Box 303, Santa Rosa, NM 88435, Evergreen Cemetery Association c/o Rena Rasco Bond - P.O. Box 189, Tijeras, NM 87056, West Texas Rehabilitation Center, San Angelo, TX, or your favorite charity.

Services are under the direction of Chavez Funeral Home, 923 S. Third St., Santa Rosa, NM 88435. 575-472-3369.