William "Bill" Cowan

William Randolph "Bill" Cowan was born June 25, 1939 in Leslie, MO to Albert and Viola (nee' Weirich) Cowan. Surrounded by his loving family, Bill passed away Saturday, August 16, 2025 at his home in Union, MO at the age of 86 years.
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, TX. 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 full 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 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); one 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 of Union; three children: Pamela Mercer of Leslie, Curtis Cowan of Union, and Deanna Colombo and husband Joe 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 of Williamsburg, VA; three brothers: Clarence Cowan and wife Janice of Republic, Ronald Cowan and wife Jane of Washington, and Richard Cowan and wife Maunawaun of McKinney, TX; sister-in-law, Donna Warden of Union; along with nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear friends.
Memorial visitation for 86-year-old Bill Cowan will be held from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Friday, August 22, 2025 at Oltmann Funeral Home in Union, MO. Interment will be held privately.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Mercy Hospice-Washington or the Martin-Weirich Cemetery.
The Cowan family is served by Oltmann Funeral Home in Union, MO