Kenneth Lee Cowan

Kenneth Lee Cowan, 98, of Topeka, peacefully went to heaven at 8:29 p.m., Saturday, May 17, 2025.

He was born July 13, 1926, in Topeka, Kansas, the son of Elbie and Verna (Lucas) Cowan. He graduated from Topeka High School in 1944. He served in the United States Navy in the South Pacific on the U.S.S Prairie from 1944 - 1946.

After his time in the Navy, Ken attended several schools for diving and aeronautics, he would ultimately become a welder. Ken was employed by Perine Brothers Welding, which later became Cowan- McGuiness Welding. Following his retirement, Ken, became the owner of Cowan Welding, which later became Cowan Mufflers. He owned and operated several shops in Topeka and Lawrence, which he would sell upon his retirement at the age of 59, to the managers.

Ken was a member of the Fellowship Bible Church, of Topeka and was a former member of Covenant Baptist Church also of Topeka. He was active in the ESPA (muffler trade shows) across the United States. He was also a master pistol marksman, and was a member on the Kansas State Pistol Team, at which he excelled.

Ken married Bethe Schlender on September 8, 1951 in Moundridge, Kansas. She survives. Other survivors include son, David Cowan; grandchildren, Sarah Cowan and Matthew Cowan; great granddaughter, Kendal; sister, Donna (Marv) Wiseman; nephew, Keith (Marilyn) Boaz; and niece, Jill (Ricky) Call. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother-in-law, Larry Boaz.

Ken loved all things outdoors with activities such as shooting, riding motorcycles, flying his airplane, snow skiing, golfing, working with old cars, seeing car shows, and riding his bike around Oakland and the airport. He was a dedicated believer and credited God with all the success of his lifetime.

Ken’s wishes were for cremation. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, July 11, 2025 at Fellowship Bible Church, 6800 SW 10th Ave, Topeka, KS 66615. The family will receive friends on hour prior to the start of the service. It is asked that guests dress casual.

Memorial contributions may be made to Samaritan’s Purse, PO Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607, (https://www.samaritanspurse.org/our-ministry/donate-online) or the Topeka Rescue Mission, 600 N Kansas Ave, Topeka, KS 66608 (https://trmonline.givevirtuous.org/Donate).

To share a memory of Ken or leave a special message for his family, visit the guestbook below.