Arthur Eugene Cowan, 87 of Ocala, Florida passed away on March 21, 2024. He was born on September 28, 1936 in Cookeville, Tennessee to the late George Arthur and Myrtle (Christian) Cowan.
Gene graduated from Oak High School in 1955 where he played Football, Baseball and Basketball. Gene played baseball for the University of Tennessee Volunteers and graduated from East Tennessee State in 1959. He played semi pro Baseball from the 50’s-80’s in Florida and beyond. Gene served honorably in the US Army as a 2nd Lieutenant. Gene loved education: he taught Biology at Lake Weir High and Forest High where he was the football and swim coach, as well as Dean of Students. His professional life was spent taking care of his clients as a State Farm Agent until his retirement in 2000.
Gene loved his family, his friends and his faith. He loved laughing with family and friends. He served at church, worked around the house and yard. He enjoyed playing golf. Gene loved to travel. He and Darla took many European trips making long lasting friendships. They followed the Lewis and Clark journey along with his sister and brother-in-law: skiing in Colorado, Montana and Utah.
Gene is preceded in death by his parents George Arthur and Myrtle (Christian) Cowan, sister Peggy (Hardin) Jones, Michel Hardin (Nephew) and stepson, Barry J. Sindy.
He is survived by his wife of 38 years. Darla Cowan, daughter Kelle Kae Cowan, Ocala, Florida. His 5 stepchildren: Yvette (Phil) Hollamen, Ocala, Florida, Beth Sindy, Deland, Florida, Barry Sindy (deceased), Kimberly Sindy, Ocala, Florida, Jeff (Michelle) Sindy, Loudon, Tennessee, 8 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, 1 niece and 3 nephews.
Services will be held on Saturday, April 6, 2024, at Central Christian Church 3010 NE 14th St. Ocala, Fl. 34470, beginning with a visitation at 11:00 am and the funeral to follow at 12:00 pm., with Pastor Evan Nave officiating. Burial will follow at Forest Lawn Memory Gardens, Ocala, Florida.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to Hospice, Interfaith or Central Christian Church.