William Kelly Cowell, known as Bill to his family, friends, and co-workers; and Billy to everyone north of Louisiana, passed away peacefully the morning of July 12, 2023 surrounded by family.
Bill was born on March 27, 1935, the youngest of six to James and Doris Cowell in a log cabin, in Ash Grove, Missouri. He married his one and only love Shirley Woodall on December 29, 1956 and remained by her side until her death in 2014.
Bill joined the United States Air Force in 1955 and served active duty to 1960, then serving as a reservist and civil serviceman from 1961 until his retirement in 1995 reaching the rank of Master Sergeant. He never saw war but traveled the world teaching others in foreign lands the skills he had learned.
Proceeding Bill in death were his father, James Richard Cowell, mother, Doris Rosella Craig Cowell, sisters Genevieve, Elizabeth, Fae, Mae, and brother, Richard Leroy. His faithful and loving wife Shirley Ione Woodall Cowell passed away in 2014 and daughter Teresa Lynn Cowell Taylor just last March of 2022.
Surviving family include sons William Craig Cowell, Richard Nolan Cowell, and daughter Kelly Marie Cowell Bollingham. Grandchildren: Tracie Taylor, Christin Bollingham, Jessica Varelas, Erin Cowell and Ayden Cowell. There are several great grandchildren as well as nieces and step family.
Bill accepted Christ as Lord and Savior in 1955 and served God until called home. He was a member of a handful of Independent Baptist Churches and held every position from custodian and groundskeeper to Sunday School Superintendent to Deacon. Simply said Bill Cowell was a servant of God.
We will miss his sense of humor, wit, wisdom and orneriness.
Celebration of his life are the Visitation between 5:00 and 7:00 pm, Friday, July 14th and the Funeral at 2:00 pm, Saturday, July 15th followed by the interment. All services will be hosted at Hill Crest Memorial, in Haughton, Louisiana.
