Wilson Little Funeral Home
Purcell-Newcastle, McClain Co., OK
(permission granted)

Joe Billy Cowan was born between Slaughterville & Noble, June 12, 1937. He lived in the Byars, Peavine area growing up. He went to several different schools in the area. Joe graduated from Byars High School in May of 1957, with the last graduating class of Byars High School. Joe started working at John Deere in Paul's Valley when he was 12 yrs old. He helped his family and neighbors farm land in his youth.

Joe married his high school sweetheart, Virginia Ruth Short on June 21, 1958 at Rosedale First Baptist Church. Joe and Virginia had 3 kids. Donna was born March 13, 1960 in Altus. Billy was born January 14, 1962 in Purcell. Unexpectedly, 16 years later, Jennifer was born September 11, 1978 in Purcell.

Joe worked several jobs in his life, including working for John Deere in Altus Ok. While working for John Deere, he attended the John Deere school for Mechanic in Moline, Iowa in the 60's. He drove a truck, hauling aircraft scrap for Purcell Alloys for over 20 yrs. Joe was a member of the Rosedale First Baptist Church in Rosedale for many years. He was Baptized in the church June 3, 2001. He retired from York International in 2003. After retiring from York, he rebuilt around 300 Ford 8 & 9N tractors and sent them to California.

He later worked on tractors for locals and rebuilt and painted many tractors for friends. Joe was a humble legend in the tractor world to those who knew him. He was a great husband, dad, papa and friend. His greatest accomplishment was his family!

Joe was loved by everyone who knew him. He was the greatest man we ever knew! Joe passed away on May 9th 2023, at the Integris Burn Center in OKC., after a 6-week long battle from being burned.

He was preceded in death by His parents, Hiram & Lora Cowan, brother Jake Cowan, Sisters, Francis Carlin and Louis Mumford.

He is survived by, wife Virginia of the home, 3 Children, Donna Schoemann and husband Danny of Wanette, Billy Cowan and wife Carol of Wayne & Jennifer Morgan and husband Tony of Byars. 9 grandkids and 12 great grand kids, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and many more family and friends.

Funeral Services are scheduled for 2:00 P.M. Friday, May 12, 2023, at Rosedale Baptist Church. Burial will follow at Hopping Cemetery in Wayne. www.wilsonlittle.com.