SPRINGFIELD - Dustin Ryan Cowan, 28, of Springfield died Saturday, June 21, 2008, at his residence.
He was born on Aug. 11, 1979, in Springfield to Ronald and Lynn Roberts Cowan.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, PC and Irene Cowan of Carterville.
Dustin was a 1997 graduate of Glenwood High School and received his bachelor's degree in TV and radio production from Southern Illinois University Carbondale in 2002. He was employed as a customer service representative for AAA Insurance.
Dustin loved spending time with family and friends. He enjoyed movies and music and was an enthusiastic weather watcher. He was a lifelong collector of Star Wars and other movie memorabilia. Dustin enjoyed working as a radio DJ in Carbondale and Springfield and playing rugby with the Springfield Celts. He was a loyal fan of the Baltimore Ravens and loved playing Texas hold 'em with his friends. His favorite past time was fishing with his dad.
His family describes him as a fun, kind and loving person with a big heart. He will be greatly missed by his parents, Ron and Lynn Cowan of Chatham; sister, Addie (husband, Matt) Mayfield of Springfield; grandparents, George and Emma Roberts of Chatham; aunts, uncles, cousins and many friends.
Dustin's family will greet friends from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 25, 2008, at Staab Polk Memorial Home, 201 S. Main St., Route 4, Chatham. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, June 26, 2008, at Staab Polk Memorial Home with Pastor Rick Wenneborg officiating. Burial will follow at Chatham Memorial Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Rutledge Youth Foundation, Inc. or Springfield Celts Rugby Team.
John and Keri Mayfield
July 22, 2008
The Cowan Family
It has been a month.... and we continue to pray for all of you. 
May you hearts be filled with wonderful memories of Dustin (your very own guardian angel).
Love,
John, Keri, Hannah, Claire and Sophie
Jamie Fletcher
July 12, 2008
Although I did not have the pleasure of socializing with Dustin, I am blessed to have met and worked with him for several years at Staples Office Supply.  I will always remember walking into work and whether or not I was in the mood to smile, as soon as I made eye contact with Dustin and seeing his wonderful smile, I couldn't help but smile back.  Love You Big D!
P.S.  If I ever see a big blue brady bunch looking station wagon, I will smile and think of Dustin.
With Sympathy,
Jamie Fletcher
July 5, 2008
Dear Lynn,
I was stunned to hear of Dustin's passing.  I remember his smile and always think of him as one of the "good" kids. I am so sorry for your loss.  Diane Waltrip
Ransom (Rannie) Daly
July 2, 2008
Ron, I humbly offer my most sincere condolences for the loss of your son. I can't imagine how it must feel. I do know how much my son means to me and it would devastate me. My prayers and thoughts are for your strength and peace during this period of your life. May God confort and bless you.
ron gillen
June 30, 2008
You have my deepest sympathy,god bless you and your family.
Janelle Jacoby
June 29, 2008
Ron, Lynn, Addie, and Matt 
I am truly sorry for your loss.  Dustin was an inspiration, someone so genuine, honest, caring, and fun to be around.  This world needs more people like Dustin!!!  I feel lucky to have known him.  May God be with your family during this time, my prayers are with you all.
Elizabeth Wiedeman-Barnes
June 26, 2008
Dustin was a big part of my life through college. He really was a great guy and always knew how to make anyone smile. He will be missed.
Erin (Lingafelter) Stern
June 26, 2008
He was a great guy. He was always ready to make me laugh. I will always remember him fondly.
Dianne and family Folder
June 26, 2008
We are so sorry for your loss.Our prayers and thoughts are with you.Please do not hesitate to ask us if you need anything.
Mowie's Cue
June 26, 2008
Mowie's Cue will miss you, Dustin!
Gene & Sherri Russell
June 26, 2008
Ron and Family,
We are very sorry to hear about Dustin's passing. Although we never had an opportunity to meet Dustin, it is clear that he is a very special young man to many friends, colleagues and family.  Our sincere condolences to you all and God bless.
Ruthie Wellhausen
June 25, 2008
We are so sorry for your loss. Sean and I both had the pleasure of working at Target with Dustin. He was a great guy! Your family will be in our prayers.
Sean and Ruthie Wellhausen
Matt and Jess Mellen
June 25, 2008
Our deepest and most sincere condolences go out to Dustin's family and friends.
Angie Meneghetti
June 25, 2008
Addie and family,
So sorry for your loss.I have been saying prayers for all of you.
Sincerely,
Angie Meneghetti
Dave Heaster
June 25, 2008
I had many classes with Dustin. I did my first radio show with Dustin. I did many projects with Dustin, including the one that ended my time at SIU. Dustin has been apart of some of the best career and school moments, and I am very sorry for his passing. He was a great person. A great guy.
Scott "Pinto" Miller
June 25, 2008
Dustin was one of the best intern's I had ever had at Rock 105 TAO. His smile and sense of humor will be missed by many.
CLAIRE/SOPHIE MAYFIELD
June 25, 2008
Addie,we are sorry for your loss. We will say a prayer for you and Uncle Matt. Love Hannah, Claire, and Sophie
Kyle Jones & Kristen Nickles
June 25, 2008
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Cowan family. Dustin was an amazing person with an inspirational heart and personality. He always knew how make someone smile with his own contagious smile. He will be greatly missed.
Sarah Harris
June 25, 2008
Dustin made my days brighter and I am a better person having known him. My heart and prayers are with his family. I can only hope they can find comfort knowing how much his friends loved him and how many people his life impacted. Dustin always had a smile and hug waiting! I miss you Sir Pork Chops Alot.
Jeannie Scott
June 25, 2008
I did not know Dustin, but our son, Clint Scott, did. In the last few days, he has shared many memories of Dustin with me. I wanted to say how very sorry I am for your loss. I don't think there can be anything harder than losing a child. May God comfort you during this time - and always.
Julie & Jerry Hughes
June 25, 2008
Ron, Lynn & Family,
We send our deepest sympathy,
no bond is as great as that between a parent and child.  Our deepest condolences are with you as you grieve. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
James Wilcockson
June 24, 2008
I'm so sorry for your loss. I will never forget Dustin, he was a good friend and and a good man. I will always remember all the good times we had growing up. You are in my prayers and I'm so sorry I couldn't make it.
Sean Miller
June 24, 2008
Through our days at Target, college, and tormenting each other as roomates Dustin has always been a dear friend and will be greatly missed and never forgotten. My sympathy goes out to Ron, Lynn and Addie.
Judy Liehr
June 24, 2008
Lynn, Ronnie, Addie,
We are so so sorry to hear of your loss.  May God bless and comfort you at this sad time.
Judy Jardine Liehr and David Liehr
Amy Nelson
June 24, 2008
Cowan family you are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
John and Nancy Harbour
June 24, 2008
Ron, Lynn, & Addie, 
We are so sorry about your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time.
Kelly Krayniak
June 24, 2008
Although I haven't known Dustin for a long period of time, but I am blessed to have had the chance to know him. His family is in my thoughts and prayers and Dustin will be missed greatly.
Jason Vincent & Keri Gontarek
June 24, 2008
You were a great friend on and off the field. We will miss you.
Britney Wilcockson
June 24, 2008
I have known Dustin for over 20 years. He is woven tightly into the fabric of my family. I would be hard pressed to recall a childhood memory that he wasn't a part of. My brother's best friend but also so much more. He was, and always will be, an honorary brother, son and grandson in the Wilcockson family. So many memories! What we all wouldn't give to hear the booming voice and infectious laughter again or to see that mischievious twinkle in his eyes or fall under the spell of that mega-watt grin again. He will be forever remembered and loved.
Ron, Lynn and Addie - my love, prayers and thoughts are with you during this difficult time. Thank you for allowing us to share in the life of this extraordinary soul.
Joseph Stanfield
June 24, 2008
My thoughts and prayers are for Dustin's family. He was a great person and would do anything for anyone.
Gwen Wilcockson
June 24, 2008
Lynn & Ron, Your Dustin was my Jim's very best friend and we all loved him as dearly as if he were our very own. Thank you for sharing this wonderful person and we will be praying for your comfort.
Michael Miller
June 24, 2008
My thoughts and prayers are with Dustin's family. He was a great guy to know. His magnetic personality will continue to leave a great memory in my mind, and the rest of the many who knew him.
Kari Purtle
June 24, 2008
Dustin...I will really miss you and our conversations we have at work. You always kept me laughing! Man I am going to miss that!!!! Your quirky phrases...everything! Rest in peace Dustin. And to your parents and family...my thoughts are with you during your time of loss, it is a great loss and I pray for your strength to help get you through this. Dustin was a wonderful guy and will greatly be missed.
Mike Adams Springfield Celts Rugby
June 24, 2008
My heart goes out to you and your family at this time and in the days ahead. Pork Chop will be dearly missed.
Trent & Lonnie Phares
June 24, 2008
Dustin was a wonderful person with a huge heart! He had a contagious smile! He will be missed by all who had the honor of calling him a friend!
Molly Dale
June 24, 2008
I am truely sorry for your loss. With his great smile and laughter, Dustin was always a terrific person to be around! I will miss him dearly. Your family is in my prayers.
Jim, Kelli and Mya Wilcockson
June 24, 2008
Dustin was a great friend, it was impossible not to like him. He will be greatly missed. We wish we could be there.
Dick & Mary Lou Estill
June 24, 2008
Thinking of each of you at this difficult time. We will always remember that cute smile . Your neighbors and friends.
Adam Stark
June 24, 2008
My thoughts and prayers are with the entire family. I'll never forget playing ball with Dustin when we were kids. He was a great guy and fun to be around.
Katie Hurrelbrink
June 24, 2008
Addie and family-
  We are so very sorry for your loss.  Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Katie & Donnie Hurrelbrink
 (Keri's cousin)
Brenda (Wolff) Cavazos
June 24, 2008
You are in my thoughts.
Rick, Tina, Audrey & RJ Pile
June 24, 2008
Please accept our deepest sympathies.
Gene and Jo Ann Vick
June 24, 2008
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of sorrow. Health issues do not allow us to attend. Our deepest sympathy.
Clint Scott
June 24, 2008
My condolences to the family and friends of Dustin.  He played rugby with the Celts and touched many hearts in the process.  He will always be remembered for his efforts both on and off the field.  His cheerful attitude brought joy to a great many people.  He will be greatly missed.  Dustin "PorkChop" Cowan, rest in peace my friend!!
With you!
Clint Scott
Springfield Celts Rugby Club
Ayrin Ramey
June 24, 2008
I met Dustin through the wonderful game of Texas Hold'em. He was a great player and will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Jacque Lynn Smith
June 24, 2008
Ronnie and family,  We are so sorry to hear of the death of your son. Our love and prayers are with you all.
Warmest regards, 
Paul & Jacque Lynn Yewell Smith
Janet Butler
June 24, 2008
Dustin was a friend of my son, Mark. He really was a very nice young man who will be deeply missed. You are all in my prayers.
Bob and Angie Pittman
June 24, 2008
We truly feel blessed to have know Dustin, he was one of the most sincere people we have ever known. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and we are here if you need us.
Mark & Emelia Fenoglio
June 24, 2008
Our deepest sympathy and condolences for your loss. Dustin will forever be remembered as a good and kind man with a deep love for his family, and the best friend a person could ever ask for.
Faye and Gene Stump
June 24, 2008
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Brian Foreman
June 24, 2008
Dustin was a good friend and teammate.  He was committed to helping the club be the best it could be.  He not only was a good friend, but a brother to us on the club.  He will truly be missed.
President of the Springfield Celts Rugby Club
Justin Morgan
June 24, 2008
I'll never forget that smile, or Dustin's positive attitude and quick wit.  We had some great times causing trouble way back in those high school chorus days...  We were always waiting for the next time Dustin would come in with a great story about what had happened over the weekend, or the night before...  We always hung on to every word, and were almost always assured that a big laugh would wrap it all up!  
My deepest and sincerest condolences to Dustin's family; your loss is understandably great, and my heart goes out to you.
Big D, see ya, buddy...
Matt and Shawna Whalen
June 24, 2008
Our condolences are with the family at this time of sorrow.
Kathy Tuck
June 24, 2008
Our hearts go out to you at this time and in the days ahead.
Tony Ligori
June 24, 2008
No bond is as great as that between a parent and child. My deepest condolences are with you as you grieve.
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