Ronald Dean Cowden

Dean Cowden, Sr., 67, of Poplar Bluff, died Tuesday, May 22, 2007 at his residence.

Mr. Cowden was born July 8, 1939 in Hannibal, Mo. to the late Edgar and Dorothy (Briggs) Cowden, and attended Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Mr. Cowden retired in 1998 as Assistant Chief of Communications at the Missouri State Highway Patrol and was a veteran of the United States Air Force. He enjoyed playing on the computer, loved music, especially Bluegrass music and played the banjo and guitar as well. He also enjoyed wood building and wood carving.

On October 13, 1962 he was married to Gertrude Grawe at St. Joseph Church by Father Thomas J. Gray in New London, Mo. She survives.

Also surviving are two sons, Ronald Dean Cowden, Jr. of Essex, Mo. and Terry Joe Cowden and wife Kristen of Poplar Bluff; and two grandchildren, Kaylee Jo Cowden and Alexandria Paige Cowden.

In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by a daughter, Jacqulin Anna Cowden and two brothers, David Cowden and Robert Cowden.

Visitation will be at 6:00 - 8:00 p.m., Thursday at Cotrell Funeral Chapel. A graveside service and full military rites will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday at the Sacred Heart Cemetery with Father Kyle Hill officiating.