Billy Joe Cowan, 95, originally of Devon, Kansas, and later of Nevada, Missouri, passed away on November 10, 2025, at the Crystal Coast Hospice House in Newport, North Carolina. He was born in Walnut, Kansas, on April 11, 1930, the son of Charles Oscar and Grace Olive Boileau Cowan. He married Norma Jean Riggs on August 12, 1951. She preceded him in death on September 21, 2021. His son, Phillip Cowan, also preceded him in death on August 8, 2022.
He is survived by his daughter, Diana Cowan, Beaufort, North Carolina; daughter-in-law, Lisa Walker Cowan, Tulsa, OK; grandsons Zachary, Tulsa, OK, and Seth (Lizbeth), Houston, TX. Additionally, he is survived by great-grandchildren Brooklyn, Haidyn, and Camdyn; sister, Chalene Bruns; and several nieces and nephews.
Bill owned and operated a service station and tire business in Devon, Kansas, for several years. Later, he sold cars, and eventually, he sold insurance. He was a member of both Devon Masonic Lodge and Ft Scott Scottish Rite. He was a member of Devon and Nevada United Methodist Churches.
Services for Bill Cowan will be at 1:00 p.m., November 21, 2025, at the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home in Fort Scott. Burial will follow at the Centerville Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to the American Cancer Society, Alzheimer’s Association, or the SECU Crystal Coast Hospice House, 100 Big Rock Weigh, Newport, NC 28570.
Friends and family may sign the online guest book and share memories at www.konantzcheney.com.
