MSG (Ret) John (J.W.) Walter Cowart
John, son of the late Walter Lee Cowart and Anna Lea (White) Cowart Larson, was born on September 22, 1949 in Springfield, Missouri.
As a young boy, John grew up in Gainesville, Missouri where he attended and graduated from high school. He went on to further his education and earned his Bachelor’s Degree.
During his teenage years, John worked during the summers with his dad with the Missouri Department of Conservation. In the summer of 1969, John was united in marriage to Drucella Thornton.
In 1970, John entered the United States Army and served his country faithfully in infantry during the Vietnam War before retiring in 1992 after 22 years of service. He had attained the rank of Master Sergeant and earned several awards and commendations; some of which include: National Defense Service Medal (2nd Award), Army Service Ribbon, Army Good Conduct Medal (7th Award), Army Commendation Medal (3rd Award), Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon (3rd Award), Meritorious Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry (Unit), Overseas Service Ribbon (2nd Award), Drill Sergeant Identification Badge, Army Achievement Medal (2nd Award), and Expert Qualification Badge M-16 Rifle.
After retiring from the military, John was able to do more of the things that he enjoyed. For many years, he served as Umpire in Chief for Missouri State Softball Association and refereed many softball and basketball games, as well as coaching the Women’s Military softball team that went to Florida and won the National Championship.
John was also an avid St. Louis Cardinal fan and enjoyed Mizzou Tigers basketball. He loved to be outdoors, hunting whatever was in season and taking his boat out on the Norfolk Lake to fish anything that swam. He loved to brag about raising cattle and would take anyone out to the field to look at them that he could trick into going. John was a music enthusiast, especially when it came to playing the fiddle, and having music parties.
Most importantly, John loved his family tremendously and would do anything he could for them. He loved spending time whenever they could all get together and especially with the grandchildren.
John passed away Monday, May 9, 2022 in the Harry S Truman VA Medical Center of Columbia, Missouri having attained the age of 72 years. He will be sadly missed, but fondly remembered by all those that knew and loved him.
John leaves to cherish his memory, his wife of 53 years: Drucella Cowart of the home; four children: Michelle Dawn Thayer of Richland, MO, Mary Suzanne Slaughter (Robert) of Lebanon, MO, Rachel Lee (David) of Richland, MO, and Shelbee Cowart-Hernandez of Richland, MO; six grandchildren; one great grandchild; four siblings: Kathy Cowart of Tecumseh, MO, Marilyn White (Dane) of Lake Zurich, IL, Diana Woodward (Mark) of Kansas City, MO, and Jeff Cowart (Vicki) of Gainesville, MO; several nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his father, mother, stepfather: Robert Larson; and grandmother: Birdie White.
Even though he is gone from our sight, his memory will live on in our hearts forever.
Funeral services with military honors were held at 12:00 p.m. Saturday, May 14, 2022 in the Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert with Pastor Mike Hawkins officiating and COL John Copeland reading the eulogy. An instrumental version of “The Old Rugged Cross” was played and the song “Go Rest High on that Mountain” was sung by family friend, Steve Sparks. Military honors were provided by the United States Army of Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri.
Online condolences can be sent at www.memorialchapelsandcrematory.com.