Sam Cowan, of Covington, died October 9, 2009, at Morgan Memorial Hospital, at the age of 88. Born in Rockdale County to the late Robert Luther and Ninnie Jane Ward Cowan, he was the fourteenth of fifteen children. Mr. Cowan plowed mules to raise crops for the last years that he was home, and said that his worst job was milking cows. He graduated from Rockdale High School in 1938, married Ruth Caldwell in 1948, and had been a resident of Covington since April of 1950. Mr. Cowan was a member of Covington First United Methodist Church, where he worked with the youth for a number of years. He served in the United States Army in France, Germany, Luxemburg, Holland, and in the European Theatre under General George Patton. Mr. Cowan attended Draughon’s Business School for one year, worked for A & P Grocery while attending school, and was later employed by Trust Company of Georgia and General Motors. He attended and graduated from Gupton Jones College of Mortuary Science in Nashville, Tennessee, in 1951. After graduation from Gupton Jones, he joined his brother-in-law, Lewis Caldwell, to form Caldwell & Cowan Funeral Home in Covington. Together, they developed and opened Lawnwood Memorial Park in October of 1954. Mr. Caldwell and Mr. Cowan continued to work together until 1974, when Mr. Caldwell retired and his son, Judson Caldwell, became Mr. Cowan’s business partner. Judson and his Uncle Sam worked together for seventeen years until Mr. Cowan’s retirement in 1991. Mr. Cowan served as Newton County Coroner for 32 years, and was a charter member of the Covington Lions Club, and a lifetime member of the E.A. Minor Masonic Lodge #603. Survivors include his sisters and brother-in-law, Nati Cowan, Betty and Lawrence Mitcham, all of Conyers; several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. Funeral Services for Mr. Cowan will be held Monday, October 12, 11:00 AM, at the Chapel of Caldwell & Cowan Funeral Home, 1215 Access Road, Covington, with Dr. Royeese Stowe and Rev. Dr. Douglas Gilreath officiating, with interment following in Lawnwood Memorial Park. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Sunday, October 11, from 5 to 8 PM. Flowers are acceptable, or donations may be made to Covington First United Methodist Church, 1113 Conyers Street, Covington, GA 30014. Caldwell & Cowan Funeral Home (770) 786-7062 www.caldwellandcowan.com to place online condolences.