Guy "Gene" Cowden, Sr.
It is with heavy hearts and full spirits that we celebrate the life of Guy "Gene" Cowden, Sr., 81, of Chattanooga, Tennessee. He left us on Wednesday, February 19, at 7:30 p.m. surrounded by loving family.
Gene was born on April 15, 1943, in Dayton, Tn., to the late Frank and Frances (Arnold) Cowden. He spent part of his childhood in Rockwood, Tn., but his family eventually settled back in Dayton. Gene graduated from Castle Heights Military Academy in Lebanon, Tn. and Bryan College in Dayton. He was married in 1964 and moved to Chattanooga in 1965. He was employed then at Ross-Meehan Steel Foundry. He worked in supervisory and managerial roles over the years at various companies in Chattanooga like Porter-Warner Industries, Casting Materials Company, and the Health Department. His hobby was bookkeeping and helping friends and family during tax season. He volunteered at Amazing Grace Mission in Sale Creek, right up until his death.
He was a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Red Bank, for over 20 years. He was very firm in his faith and proud to be called a Christian and a prayer warrior.
He was a passionate fan of The University of Tennessee Athletics and loved watching Volunteer football in Neyland Stadium (GO BIG ORANGE!)
He supported his children and grandchildren in a variety of activities and sports of every kind. He loved every aspect including often coaching and mentoring. He also loved being very vocal (actually yelling) from the stands.
Gene was a power lifter in his younger days for Roman Health Spas in Chattanooga. He loved all racquet sports, especially tennis and was a really good bowler. He loved (and hated) golf and was an avid “gym rat”.
In addition to his parents, Gene was preceded in death by his wife, Marilyn Cowden; his brother, Frank Cowden, stepsons, Bobby Westerwal and James Westerwal, and son-in-law, Martin Rightmire.
Surviving are his sons, Gene Cowden, and David Cowden (Ella) and daughter, Pam Day (Chris); stepchildren, Randy Westerwal (Mary) and Sherry Rightmire; sisters, Susan Stinnett (Freddie Kirkpatrick) and Carol Cowden; and brother, Buddy Cowden (JoAnne). He was delighted by and so proud of his 13 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends on Sunday, March 2, from 12:30-2 p.m. at Calvary Baptist Church, 5201 Dayton Blvd., Red Bank, Tn. 37415.
A celebration of life service will follow at 2 p.m. A private burial will take place at a later date.
Arrangements are entrusted to Lane Funeral Home, 601 Ashland Terrace, Chattanooga, Tn. 37415, 423 877-3524, lanfh.com.