Robert "Bob" Cowan

Robert "Bob" "Cusser" Cowan, 82, of Carterville, passed away Friday, July 17, 2020, at Herrin Hospital.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, July 21, 2020, at Riggin-Pillatsch & Burke Funeral Home in Carterville, with Rev. T.J. Gentry officiating. Burial with military rites will be in Hillcrest Cemetery in Carterville. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Tuesday. Phase 4 Guidelines will be in effect, which allows 50% capacity, using social distancing and facial coverings.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Marion V.A. Nursing Home Activities Department.

Bob was born July 15, 1938, in Carterville, to Richard and Elsie Mildred (Russell) Cowan. He married Louise Mezo on January 20, 1992, in Carterville.

He is survived by his wife, Louise Cowan of Carterville; children, Patricia (Randy) Church of Nixa, Missouri, Kimberlee (James) Smith of Carterville, Kristine Adams of Christopher, Yevette Johnson of Carbondale, Sherra (Danny) English of Carterville, Nancy (Donald) Howell of DeSoto, Carolyn (Tim) Hess of Blairsville, Jeff Dailey of Carterville, Teressa Charles of Carterville, John (Kelly) Caudill of Carterville, Lewis Skelton of Mt. Vernon, and Melissa (David) Draper of Carterville; 35 grandchildren; many great grandchildren; one great great-grandson; sister, Wanda Gentry of Carterville; daughter-in-law, Anita Cowan of Cambria; several nieces and nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents; son, Richard Leland Cowan; grandchildren, Robert Darrel Cowan, Sgt. Benjamin K. Smith, Dylan Charles, William Dailey, Tonya Taylor and Scott Skelton; and grandson-in-law, Michael Drake.

He honorably served our country in the United States Marines Corps.  

Bob was a coal miner for 21 years and had worked at Old Ben 21, Sesser, Zeigler and Pinckneyville mines, before retiring.

He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing. Bob could usually be found tinkering in his garage or playing chess and checkers.

Bob loved to pester and aggravate those he loved the most. He gave special nicknames to all of his kids and grandkids and they, in return, affectionately referred to him as "Papa Bob".  

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