John Leslie Cowan

Published 9:29 am Thursday, January 9, 2025

Dec. 8, 1947 – Jan. 6, 2025

MONTEREY – Johnny passed away peacefully at home on Workman’s Bayou in Monterey after a lengthy illness and with family beside him.

Johnny was born in Ferriday, the son of Raymond Cowan and Velma Rose Coco Cowan.

Johnny willingly and passionately served his communities as an Arizona State Correctional Officer, a Concordia Parish Sheriff Deputy, a Concordia Parish Firefighter and first responder, devoted employee of the US Army Corp of Engineers, a Vidalia softball coach, and service with the US Navy, US Army National Guard, and US Air Force Reserve with a multitude of medals and commendations. Johnny was known to give his own time to help and serve countless people. He never met a stranger and was instantly everyone’s friend.

He was a veteran of the Vietnam War, Iraq, and Afghanistan wars, and was a 32nd degree Mason. He was a 1966 graduate of Vidalia High School and grew up at Excelsior Plantation on what is now known as Raymond Cowan Road.

Johnny is preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Velma Cowan; mother-in-law, Gwendolyn Nugent; fathers-in-law, F. C. Griggs and Bobby Nugent; brother, Dale Cowan; grandson, Seth Baker; and niece, Wendy Welsh.

He has left this world, leaving behind his much-beloved wife of 54 years, Sharon G. Cowan of Monterey, LA; daughter and son-in-law, Lesley Cowan Baker and Sam Baker of Springfield, MO; son and daughter-in-law, Charles (Tony) Cowan and Shaunna Cowan of Yuma, AZ; son and daughter-in-law, Corey Cowan and Brandi Figari Cowan of Yuma, AZ; grandchildren, Christine Kinsman and Michael Kinsman; Caitlynn Cowan; Zachary Cowan Sullivan and Christa; Molly Rose C. Sullivan Kasco and Storm Kasco; Ransom Cowan Sullivan; Oliver Cowan; Sawyer Cowan; Emily Cowan and blessed baby Cowan happily anticipated to arrive this spring. Great-grandchildren include Hanora Sullivan, Brindon Sullivan, and Liam Kinsman. Nieces and nephews include Stephen Cowan, Michael Cowan, Elizabeth C. Thomas, Melissa Welsh, Kaya Welsh, and Jeff Barron. He also leaves behind sister, Martha G. Welsh and brother-in-law, Lenny Welsh; brother, Wiley Craig Nugent and sister-in-law, Lori Nugent and many beloved aunts, uncles. and cousins.

Johnny’s care is under the direction of Laird Funeral Home. Online condolences may be sent to the family at lairdfh.com.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, PAWS, HoofBeats, PawPrints Rescue, or any local animal shelter or rescue. These causes were near and dear to Johnny.

The family would also like to acknowledge and thank the amazing Enhabit Hospice team for their support, care, dignity, and kindness.

A memorial service will be held at a future date to be determined and announced.