Denny Cowan

Denny Darl Cowan, 79, of Tyler peacefully entered the Kingdom of Heaven on August 14, 2021, surrounded by his loving family following a courageous battle with cancer. Denny was born July 16, 1942, to his mother, Ina Walker Cowan and father, William Crook Cowan in Tyler, TX. He devoted his life to his faith, his family, and his friends.

Denny was an Air Force veteran and touched many lives as an educator of 48 years with the Tyler Independent School District. The following has been used to describe him by former students and those who knew him best – “above and beyond,” “expected nothing but the best,” “source of joy and laughter,” and “example of commitment.”

Denny was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Jack Cowan; Pat Cowan; and Billy Cowan; and sister Polly Cowan Kennedy.

Denny, known as Papa by his family, is survived by his wife of 52 years, Carolyn Dowdy Cowan; son, Shayne Cowan and wife Traci; daughter, Cammie Cowan; daughter, Darla Graham and husband Lewis; and grandchildren, Chase Wood and wife Amy; Chance Wood and fiancée Morgan Edwards; Chandler Wood; Kayli Hemphill and husband Blake; Kelsi Cowan; Reid Graham; Ridge Graham; great grand-children, Garnet Wood; Maisyn Wood; Sawyer Edwards; Witten Hemphill; Adelyn Hemphill; and many nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers, part of “Team Papa,” are Chase Wood, Chance Wood, Chandler Wood, Garnet Wood, Reid Graham, and Ridge Graham.

Services will be held at Lloyd James Funeral Home in Tyler on Wednesday, August 18, 2021. Visitation is at 10:00 AM and the service, officiated by Pastor Doug Anderson, at 11:00 AM. The family respectfully requests masks be worn while indoors during the visitation and service. A private family graveside will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests remembrances be made in the form of contributions to Rose Heights Church, Tyler, TX.