It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Kelly Cowan, age 58, on November 25, 2024, at his home in Topeka, Kansas. Kelly Eugene Cowan was born on May 11, 1966 in Topeka, Kansas, to Ron and Mary (Besta) Cowan.
Kelly was raised in Rossville, graduated from Rossville High School, attended Emporia State University and worked for Custom Wood Products in St. Marys for more than 30 years. Kelly was an avid and loyal sports fan and loved following and discussing his Rossville Bulldawgs, the Kansas State Wildcats, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, the Kansas City Royals, and the Kansas City Chiefs. He loved being outdoors, whether he was fishing, hunting, riding motorcycles or just driving.
Kelly is survived by his daughters, Jericka (Aaron) Barber, of Delia, and Annalyn Cowan, of Holton, grandsons Easton, Bowen and Ryatt Barber, his father, Ron Cowan, of Rossville, his brothers John (Brigette), of Topeka, Rodney (Deana), of Maple Hill, Kevin (Valerie), of Wichita, and Shane (Kelly), of Allen, Texas, and his many aunts and uncles, cousins and nieces and nephews. Kelly was preceded in death by his mother, Mary, and grandparents John and Grace Cowan, Edward Besta, and Clint and Winifred Kerwin.
Kelly battled many challenges in recent years, but he was proud of his family and friends, and loved them very much, and they loved him. Kelly was happy to “hang out” and “shoot the breeze” with friends and strangers alike, and he will be missed by many.
A memorial visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00 PM, Tuesday, December 3 at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church, 703 Main St. in Rossville with a rosary following at 7:00 PM. Mass of Christian burial will be offered at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, December 4, also at St. Stanislaus. Burial will follow in Rossville Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Piper Funeral Home, 714 Maple St., St. Marys, KS 66536 to be used for a future education fund for Kelly’s grandsons.
