It all began in Beggs, Oklahoma, when the sixth of eleven children from the loving union of Phil and Estella [Henry] Cowan arrived on March 19, 1931. He was named Phillip L. Cowan.

Raised and educated in Wagoner County, Phillip was blessed with a loving and strong family, founded on spiritual values to live his life. His brothers and sisters were his best friends and he was very protective over each one of them, especially his eight sisters.

Later in life, Phillip married Anabell Burrough and this union was blessed with a daughter, Shirley. After this marriage dissolved, he later married Geraldine Wilson, and this union was blessed with three children, Darnell, Kenneth and Jacquelyn.

Phillip moved to Omaha, Nebraska in 1955, where he spent most of his adult life. His primary career was in the local delivery business, where he was a delivery truck driver. He retired in 1992 from Peter Kiewit & Sons.

After his retirement, he moved back to Okmulgee to be closer to his siblings. He spent time enjoying the full benefits of retirement by fishing, hunting, gardening and growing pears for his grandchildren.

On Friday evening, May 26, 2006, Phillip L. Cowan, in his 75th season, was called to be with his Heavenly Father. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Johnny Lee, Roscoe and Nathaniel and a sister, Phyllis Cowan Denny.

He leaves in God's care; two sons, Darnell [Katie] Cowan, Omaha, Nebraska and Kenneth [Sandie] Cowan, Houston, Texas; two daughters, Shirley [Sammy] Mikel, Houston, Texas and Jacquelyn Cowan, Chesterfield, Virginia; seven sisters, Lillie P. Walker, Okmulgee, Oklahoma, Mary Lois Wiley, Stillwater, Oklahoma, Doretha [Eddie Lee] Herndon, Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, Mattie L. Morton, Darlene Tobler and Florence [Herman] Hunter, all of Okmulgee, Oklahoma and Erma Cowan [Joe] Grayson, Baltimore, Maryland; five grandchildren; one great-grandchild; thirty-two nieces and nephews; and a caravan of other relatives and friends.

Mr. Cowan will be dearly missed as a kind, soft spoken, generous man. He was a brother every sister would want to have. He was very protective over those he loved and they were a priority in his life. He was a sensitive man with a great sense of humor. He became friends with all who met him and will be dearly missed.

The final hour will be on Wednesday, May 31, 2006 at 10:00 A.M. in the Eastside Church of God in Christ. Elder Oather Todd, Sr., the gracious host Pastor, Cleo McGlory, Presiding and Elder Ralph Bagby, Eulogist. Burial will follow in Woodlawn Cemetery in Okmulgee. You may visit Mr. Cowan, as he slumbers at the funeral home in Okmulgee on Tuesday from 12 Noon to 7 PM.