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Ronald William Cowan, 73, of Wilmar, AR passed away May 16, 2026, at Baptist Health Drew County. He was born March 8, 1953, to Jeanne and Kobert Cowan in Danville, IL. Military was a strong influence growing up, with his great grandfather in the Civil War, grandpa a Sgt. in WWI, dad in WW2, and uncle in the Korean War. His favorite sports in school were swimming, diving, and baseball. Ron and other divers from the YWCA would do high dive exhibitions around the Illinois and Indiana area. During high school, he trained in Valparaiso, IN for the Jr. Olympics. Later in college, Ron dove for the University of Illinois, Normal and University of Florida. Ron was raised Methodist and a member of St. James Methodist Church in Danville, IL and currently attended Green Hill Community Baptist Church.
Ron learned computer programing while in the Air Force in the underground building of the U.S. Strategic Command Center at Offutt Air Force Base in Belleview, NE. He monitored the nuclear strike missiles headed to and from North America during the Cold War. Ron came home after the Air Force to Danville, Illinois to try substitute teaching in his old schools and started his computer degree, thanks to the military. His next job was an air-traffic controller at Chicago O'Hare. Unfortunately, "Ronald Reagan fires 11,359 air-traffic controllers." While in Chicago, Ron stayed with his Uncle Bud DeWitt and Aunt Jan while earning undergraduate and graduate degrees in computer engineering, courtesy of the U.S. Air Force. With his Air Force training and his degrees, he held a job with Morton Internation and was a part of the original exciting computer virus attacks.
Ron enjoyed the constant moving with all of his computer programming jobs in California, Seattle, Green Bay, Pittsburg, Kansas City, and American Express in Phoenix, AZ. While in Phoenix, he stepped in to assist a family down the street. Their son, Chucky, was guided by Ron to work hard, graduate high school, get an excellent job and be a support to his family. Ron then transferred to the Salt River Project and met the love of his life, Ruth Ferrone, a professional horsewoman and equine trainer, who lived just outside of Sedona, AZ. After their marriage December 9, 2017, the couple have lived and enjoyed Sedona, AZ, Houston, TX, Alexis, NC, Ruther Glen, VA, and their recent move to Wilmar, AR. Here Ron and Ruth found a community of friendly, wonderful and welcoming people.
In addition to his parents, Ron was preceded in death by his brother, Robert DeWitt Cowan. He is survived by his wife, Ruth Maria Ferrone Cowan; sister, Lu Anne Abelson; niece, Elizabeth Ann Reed and husband John Paul Reed, Jr.; great nephew, John Paul "Jack" Reed, III; great nieces, Lucille Jeanne Reed and Edith Mae Reed; nephew, Brian Cowan and wife Kelly; great nephews, Jonathan Cowan and Benjamin Cowan; as well as a host of other family and Friends.
The family and friends will miss his love of life, fun spirit, large heart, and willingness to laugh.
Ron learned computer programing while in the Air Force in the underground building of the U.S. Strategic Command Center at Offutt Air Force Base in Belleview, NE. He monitored the nuclear strike missiles headed to and from North America during the Cold War. Ron came home after the Air Force to Danville, Illinois to try substitute teaching in his old schools and started his computer degree, thanks to the military. His next job was an air-traffic controller at Chicago O'Hare. Unfortunately, "Ronald Reagan fires 11,359 air-traffic controllers." While in Chicago, Ron stayed with his Uncle Bud DeWitt and Aunt Jan while earning undergraduate and graduate degrees in computer engineering, courtesy of the U.S. Air Force. With his Air Force training and his degrees, he held a job with Morton Internation and was a part of the original exciting computer virus attacks.
Ron enjoyed the constant moving with all of his computer programming jobs in California, Seattle, Green Bay, Pittsburg, Kansas City, and American Express in Phoenix, AZ. While in Phoenix, he stepped in to assist a family down the street. Their son, Chucky, was guided by Ron to work hard, graduate high school, get an excellent job and be a support to his family. Ron then transferred to the Salt River Project and met the love of his life, Ruth Ferrone, a professional horsewoman and equine trainer, who lived just outside of Sedona, AZ. After their marriage December 9, 2017, the couple have lived and enjoyed Sedona, AZ, Houston, TX, Alexis, NC, Ruther Glen, VA, and their recent move to Wilmar, AR. Here Ron and Ruth found a community of friendly, wonderful and welcoming people.
In addition to his parents, Ron was preceded in death by his brother, Robert DeWitt Cowan. He is survived by his wife, Ruth Maria Ferrone Cowan; sister, Lu Anne Abelson; niece, Elizabeth Ann Reed and husband John Paul Reed, Jr.; great nephew, John Paul "Jack" Reed, III; great nieces, Lucille Jeanne Reed and Edith Mae Reed; nephew, Brian Cowan and wife Kelly; great nephews, Jonathan Cowan and Benjamin Cowan; as well as a host of other family and Friends.
The family and friends will miss his love of life, fun spirit, large heart, and willingness to laugh.