E-3 Robert Milton Cowan Sr., 79, passed away February 18, 2016 at Ft. Sanders Regional Medical Center with his family by his side. Robert was born on November 28, 1936 in
Knoxville, Tennessee to the late Lew and Helen Francis Delaney Cowan. He was better known as “Puddin” to his family and close friends. He graduated from Austin High School in 1954 and in 1956, Robert enlisted in the United States Navy as Signalman. He proudly served on the USS Loftberg. After being honorably discharged, he became employed by the Knoxville Utility Board for 28 ½ years and served in the position of automobile mechanic and assistant foreman. After retiring from KUB he obtained a position at Unity Mortuary for many years. Robert is preceded in death by parents, Lewis and Helen Cowan; step-mother, Marie Cowan; sister, Barbara Shands; brother, Walter Cowan; and sister, Lillian. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Gladys Sheely Cowan; and their 4 children, Helen Ruth (Carl) Kincaid, Robert Milton Cowan Jr., Sharon Denise (Joe) Meady, Sabrina Diane (Jarvis) Johnson; sister,
JoAnn Satterfield, sister-in-law, Pauline Cowan; brothers-in-law, Edger Johnson and Sylvester Sheely; 13 devoted grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, and other family members. The family will receive friends from 11:00-12:00, Thursday, February 25, 2016 at Sentertown Missionary Baptist Church with funeral service to follow at 12:00 Noon, Pastor Keith Elliott officiating. Interment to follow at East Tennessee Veterans Cemetery. Services to conclude with full military honors, dove release and blanket presentation. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the church.

This obituary was posted on Thursday, February 18th, 2016 at 2:12 pm.
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