Richard “Wayne” Cowen, 70, of Fort Scott, Kansas passed away Thursday afternoon October 1, 2020, at Country Place Memory Care Center. He was born July 18, 1950, in Fort Scott, the son of Glenn Richard and Freda Elaine (Bentley) Cowen. He married Beverly Jean Ballou on March 13, 1993, in Fort Scott, and she survives of the home.
Wayne attended Bunker Hill Country School and graduated from Fort Scott High School with the Class of 1968. He went on to graduate from Fort Scott Community College, followed by K-State. Wayne was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, and an active choir member as well as serving on the Board of Deacons and an Elder in Session.
He worked for Ward Kraft and Ennis Business Forms as a Printing Supervisor. Wayne was a member of the 6th Kansas Cavalry Dragoon Unit, participating in Civil War re-enactments, and a volunteer at the Fort Scott National Historic Site. He was active in the Northwest Scott 4-H. He enjoyed woodworking, square dancing, and family get-togethers and holiday meals, and playing games. He loved spending time with family and loved going to his grandkids’ sporting events. Wayne had a sweet tooth, especially for ice cream and cookies, and had the nickname “Cookie Monster.”
In addition to his wife Beverly, Wayne is also survived by his children, Tisha Moore and husband Kevin of Blue Springs, Missouri, Nikia Harlan and husband Jeremy of Katy, Texas, Marissa Cowen of Higginsville, Missouri, Lacey Ratliff and husband Josh, also of Higginsville, Missouri, Simon Ballou and wife Jennifer of Fort Scott, Debbie Ballou of Fulton, Kansas, and Jason Ballou and wife Carol of Fort Scott; three brothers, Kenton Cowen, Brad Cowen and wife Joyce, Larry Cowen and wife Sondra, all of Fort Scott; eighteen grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Rev. Dr. Jared Witt will conduct graveside services at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, October 8, 2020, at Memory Gardens of Bourbon County, under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to either the Alzheimer’s Association or the First Presbyterian Church Choir and may be left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall St., P.O. Box 309, Fort Scott, KS 66701. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.
