Melvin Cowart

1927 - 2014

Melvin Elton Cowart, born February 13, 1927 in Oakhurst, Texas, passed away on August 28, 2014 at his home in Pasadena, Texas surrounded by friends and family. Mel is now home with his Lord and Savior and with his beloved bride Mary at his side. Well done my good and faithful servant. Mel was married to Mary Lamaster of Houston in 1957 until her death in 2006. He is survived by their son, Steven Cowart, who resides in Houston, Texas, as well as numerous Nieces, Nephews and Cousins.

Melvin was educated at Oakhurst High School, attended Sam Houston State University where he received a Bachelors Degree and received his Doctorate of Law from South Texas College of Law.

Mel had a strong intuitive sense of right and wrong and lived with a sense of morality that was comparable to none. Mel's legacy will be one of service to his community and his generous heart.

He had worked as a lab tester at Crown Petroleum, loan servicer at American General Investment and First Continental Mortgage Company. He had his independent law practice from 1959 to 1991. Mel also operated MEC Properties rental homes with his wife Mary since 1968.

Mel was an avid supporter the Salvation Army, the Pasadena Philharmonic Society, the Pasadena Little Theatre, YMCA, Pasadena ISD Education Foundation, San Jacinto College Foundation and the Texas Chiropractic College. Mel was a member of the Kiwanis club of Pasadena since 1975, serving multiple times as Secretary and President and holds the following honors and awards from Kiwanis International and the Texas Oklahoma Kiwanis District: Life member, Table of Honor, Founder Circle Award, Heritage Society Member, George F. Hixson Fellowship, the CT Bush Award, and the Construction of the Pathway to the Future International Headquarters in Indianapolis is named in honor of Melvin and Mary Cowart. He was a member the State Bar of Texas, the Houston Bar Association, the American Bar Association and the American Adjudicator Society. The high regard others held for Mel was demonstrated by being chosen for leadership in most organizations that he belonged to. He was elected a Life Fellow of the Texas State Bar Foundation in 1999, elected Presidential Elector for the Electoral College in 1996. Mel was a member of the Pasadena Chamber of Commerce since 1976. He and Mary were also named the Most Dedicated Individual Donors by Children's Miracle Network in 2004. The Salvation Army Sports Pavilion in Pasadena is also named in honor of Mel and Mary. Mel was named Citizen of the Year by the Pasadena Chamber of Commerce in 2008. Mel was also proud to receive the Doing The Most Good Award from the Pasadena Salvation Army in 2008. Mel also received the Distinguished Citizen Award for the Pasadena ISD Education Foundation in 2014. He has served on the Board of Directors of Kiwanis club of Pasadena, the Board of Trustees for the Texas Oklahoma Kiwanis foundation, the Board of Trustees of Kiwanis International Foundation, advisory Council board of the Salvation Army of East Harris County, the Pasadena ISD Education Foundation Board, and Director of Family Promise of East Harris County.

Visitation will be at Rosewood Funeral Home at 3939 Pasadena Blvd. in Pasadena on Tuesday September 2, 2014 from 5 - 8 pm. Services are scheduled for Wednesday, September 3, 2014 at 10 am in the Chapel at First Baptist Church at 7500 Fairmont Parkway in Pasadena. Pastor Jon Redmond will officiate. Mel will be laid to rest in Mount Capers Cemetery in Oakhurst at 2 pm in the afternoon, following the service. Honored to serve as pallbearers will be Jerry Britain, Rick Guerrero, James Guthrie, Buddy Land, and honorary pallbearers will be members of the Pasadena Kiwanis Club.

In lieu of usual remembrances, Mel and his family suggest donations to the San Jacinto College Foundation, the Salvation Army, the Kiwanis Club or a charity of your choice.

Mel leaves behind legions of friends. Friends who each will stand as a living tribute to Mel's generosity and spirit.