William "Bill" Cowman

Born on the Cowman family farm in Greenfield, Ohio, Bill grew up with a deep appreciation for quiet work, steady effort, and doing things well. An accomplished athlete in his youth, he was an avid golfer and co-captain of the Upper Arlington High School golf team alongside a young Jack Nicklaus.

Bill went on to attend Ohio Wesleyan University, where he met the love of his life, Betty. They married in 1958 and began a partnership that spanned more than six decades, grounded in mutual respect, shared curiosity, and a steady devotion to family. In the 1960s, they settled in Upper Arlington, Ohio, where they raised their three children and built a home filled with warmth, laughter, and quiet encouragement.

Professionally, Bill was known for his forward-thinking mind and calm competence. At Shaffer Distributing, he became one of the early evangelists for computerized accounting, recognizing long before it was common that technology would transform the way businesses worked. He had a knack for seeing what was coming next -- never loudly, never insistently, but with a quiet confidence that often proved right.

Later in life, Bill and Betty divided their time between Ohio and their beloved cabin on Lake Lamoka in New York's Finger Lakes region. There, they found a rhythm that suited them perfectly: peaceful mornings, afternoons on the lake, local auctions and winery visits, and evenings by the fire with their black lab, Duke, keeping watch nearby. It was a place of reflection, companionship, and contentment.

Bill was a man of dry humor and gentle insight, someone who listened more than he spoke but whose observations carried weight. He delighted in ideas and innovations, from recognizing the promise of the home computer long before it became commonplace (sparking a lifelong interest in technology in his son) to following the rise of Bitcoin with quiet amusement after investing early and watching it flourish.

Above all, Bill cherished his family. He is survived by his children; granddaughters Danielle Valentine and Chelsea Knight; and great-grandchildren Sebastian Johnson, Ryan Knight, and Eva Knight.

Now reunited with Betty, Bill is surely at ease -- perhaps sitting by a fire, Duke at his side, looking out over a lake that stretches on forever. He will be remembered for his steadiness, his foresight, and the quiet way he helped shape the lives of those who knew and loved him.

A funeral service will be held at SCHOEDINGER NORTHWEST, located at 1740 Zollinger Road, Columbus, Ohio, 43221, on January 16, 2026, from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Following the funeral service, a Celebration of Life Reception will take place at the same venue from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Please visit www.schoedinger.com to share memories and condolences.