Jerry Paul Cowan

COWAN, JERRY PAUL Jerry Paul Cowan, beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather and friend, passed away suddenly on Tuesday, September 7, 2004. A Celebration of Jerry’s life will be held at FirstCity Financial Corporation, 6400 Imperial Drive, Waco, TX, on Monday, September 13, 2004, from 5:00 - 7:00 pm. All of Jerry’s friends, whether old friends or current friends, are invited to attend. There will be a family visitation from 7:00 - 9:00 pm on Monday, September 13, 2004 and a Memorial Service at 3:30 pm on Tuesday, September 14, 2004, at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Funeral Home, 6101 Bosque Blvd., Waco, TX with Rev. Ron Keener officiating. Jerry was born on January 1, 1943, in Waco, TX, the son of William and Adele Cowan. He was married to Diane Geren of Pleasanton, and two children, Kelly and Derek, were born to this union. On November 24, 1996, he was married to Gwen Upchurch. He graduated from Waco High School in 1962, and from The College of Mortuary Science in 1964. At this time he became a licensed funeral director and embalmer. He received an Associate Degree in Psychology from McLennan Community College in 1974, and received a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Baylor University in 1976. From 1966-1969, Jerry served in the U.S. Army. He acquired the rank of S/Sgt while in the 1st Infantry Division as a Recon Platoon Leader. He served in Viet Nam from 1968 – 1969. Jerry began his employment with Wilkirson-Hatch, Inc. as a funeral director from 1964-1966, and after Viet Nam from 1969-1976. He became an Adult Probation Officer, with McLennan County Adult Probation Department from 1976-1985. He became partner and manager of Southwest Accounts Receivable from 1985-1987. In March, 1987, he began his final career with J-Hawk Corporation, where he was Vice-president in charge of Note/Debt Collection Department. Jerry went on to become President of J-Hawk Distributing Co., Inc., Combined Funding, Inc., Park Central Recreation, Inc. and Butlor Enterprises, Inc. He has been instrumental in the successful operation of all of the companies he has been a part of and was particularly pleased with his part in the successful operation of Consumer Auto Finance for the last few years. Jerry was the past owner of MC’s 2-5 and the current owner of Malone’s Backstreet Bistro in River Square Center. Jerry was a member of Central Presbyterian Church in Waco, TX. Survivors include his wife, Gwen, the love of his life and best friend, of Waco, one son, Derek and wife, Tracy of Waco, one daughter, Kelly Stewart and husband, Steve of Houston, one sister, Jeanine Cook of Crystal Beach, TX, one brother, Ronnie Cowan of Gholson, TX, three granddaughters, Haley, Kaelyn and Riley Cowan of Waco, Jerry leaves a host of relatives and friends too many to name. Jerry was a good friend to all he met and all of his “old padners” will miss him. The family invites you to leave a message or memory in our “Memorial Guestbook” at www.wilkirsonhatchbailey.com. WILKIRSON-HATCH-BAILEY