Joseph Fredrick Cowen

Joseph Fredrick Cowen was born October 5, 1931 and passed away quietly, surrounded by his wife, children and a grandchild at home in Cashiers, North Carolina, on August 27, 2024. Born in Quincy, Florida, Joe grew up as the seventh of eight children on his family’s farm in Flat Creek, Florida.

He was preceded in death by his six older siblings, William Cowen, Elizabeth Zorn, Daniel Cowen, Edward Cowen, Spurgeon Cowen, and Mary Emma Bassett; and is survived by his youngest sibling, Kenneth Cowen of Elijay, Georgia. Always proud of his heritage, Joe would answer any questions about himself with stories about his life on the farm. Never losing his love of gardening, Joe spent his life growing both flowers and vegetables in whatever space was available to him.

After graduation from high school, Joe joined the Air Force during which time he developed an interest in electronics. That interest was so great that, after his discharge, Joe pursued a degree in Electrical Engineering at the University of Florida. Upon obtaining his degree, Joe took a job at Douglas Aircraft Company in Santa Monica, California. After several years at Douglas, he went to work for Hughes Aircraft where he became head of the laser guidance systems testing unit. Upon his retirement, Joe built a house in Cashiers to which he and his wife retired full time in 2007.

During his employment at Douglas Aircraft, Joe met and married Tess (Kirk) Cowen. Joe and Tess were married over 60 years, and have a daughter, Joan Marie Cowen Foley; and a son, Gregory Allen Cowen, who have given them seven grandchildren to love and spoil. In addition to his wife, children, and grandchildren, Joe is survived by three generations of nieces and nephews who gather in Cashiers every July 4th for a huge family reunion. Joe was a kind and loving man who was a positive force in the Cowen family, and a blessing to all who knew him.

Joe’s funeral will be held at Our Lady of the Mountains Church in Highlands, North Carolina, on Saturday, September 7, 2024 at 10 AM. In lieu of flowers, please send Memorial Donations in Joe’s name to Four Seasons Foundation, 211 N. Main St., Hendersonville, NC 28792.