Henry G. McKowen II

2 Timothy 4: 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henry McKowen passed away Tuesday August 26, 2012 at 5:13 p.m. at Ollie Steele Burden Manor in Baton Rouge. He was born at the family home August 2, 1925 in Lindsey, LA. He was a graduate of McKowen High School in Jackson, LA in 1942. He spent many years of his life on the rodeo circuit participating in every event although bull dogging was his favorite. He raised steers on his place in Geismar until selling out in 1962 and later became an Investor. He met Dr. Shirley Woodford at a dance between the Southern Club, of which he was a part, and the Spinsters. They were married May 16, 1959 and lived in Baton Rouge. Henry was the father of four children, Jeanie McKowen Thuneman of Pearland TX, Wayne Henry McKowen and wife Erin of Zachary, Ann McKowen Gerald and husband Todd of Baton Rouge, and Allie Beth McKowen of Baton Rouge; eight grandchildren, Jennifer Thuneman McKeeby, Jolie Thuneman Peel, Steven Thuneman, David Thuneman, Austin Gerald, Hudson McKowen Gerald, Adeline Claire McKowen and Parker Henry McKowen; and three great grandchildren, Connor Cleary, Madeline Cleary and Ryder McKeeby. He has two sisters, Beryl McKowen Morris and Pearl McKowen Slaughter, and one brother, Johnny McKowen. He was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley Woodford McKowen, his parents, Alex Cobb McKowen and Henrietta Griffith McKowen, and his brother, Alex Cobb McKowen Jr. Henry was active in the Cattlemans, Brahman, and Charlais associations and acted on several boards. His love for hunting and cooking was only exceeded by his love of people. Some would say he had a rough side but his care and generosity for the old and infirm greatly out weighed that. He never missed a wedding or funeral because as he said you need to be with people when they need you the most. He was a big supporter of youth agricultural organizations, particularly the 4-H and FFA. Pallbearers are Harry Morris Jr., Dr. Mart Morris, Keith Morris, Spec Slaughter Jr., Dr. James Slaughter, Alex McKowen III, Griff McKowen and Mike McKowen. Honorary pallbearers are John S. Campbell Jr., Dr. Richard Tannehill and Mike Falgoust. The family would like to extend their deepest appreciation to the staff at Ollie Steele Burden Manor for the dedicated care of "Mr. Henry" over the last thirteen years. Visitation will be at Rabenhorst Funeral Home, 825 Government St., Baton Rouge, on Wednesday, September 5, from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. and again on Thursday at the First Presbyterian Church, 763 North Blvd. Baton Rouge from 9:00 - 11:00 a.m. with services at 11:00. Interment at Young Family Cemetery in Zachary. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to First Presbyterian Church or a charity of your choice. Rabenhorst, 825 Government St., is in charge of arrangements.