John Glover Cowan, age 75, of Panama City, Florida, passed away on Friday, May 18, 2012, as a result of a massive stroke which he suffered in May of last year. John was an inpatient at Hospice House of Kings Mountain, North Carolina, at the time of his death. His brother-in-law and recent caregiver, Clyde Ledbetter, relayed that he peacefully slipped away.

John was born in Geneva, Alabama, on November 10, 1936. He attended Geneva High School and Auburn University. John worked at the Navy Lab in Panama City for forty-five years, retiring in 2007. After retirement, John worked for ARINC Engineering in Panama City. As an inventor and key contributor to the development of many systems, John traveled to numerous countries during his tenure at the Naval Surface Warfare Center, his most frequent work being in England and Australia.

John was an active member of Grace Presbyterian Church, serving as an elder and member of the Scottish Festival Committee, where he served as grounds chairman for years. His quiet and unassuming Christian witness impacted the lives of those who had the good fortune to know him.

John was called a Renaissance man by many. His interests included hiking, genealogy, antique car restoration, private aviation, amateur radio, music, extensive travel, photography, electronics development, helping others, and spending time with his family. John helped to coach soccer, T-ball, and baseball. He was a Boy Scout Leader, school volunteer, and volunteered many hours for other community service activities.

John was preceded in death by his parents, J.P. and Louise Cowan; his brother, Jesse Ray Dunn; his sister, Marilyn Muraski; and his brother, Joe Pat Cowan. He is survived by his wife, Rachel Hester Cowan of Panama City, Florida; son, Joshua Cowan of Atlanta, Georgia; daughter, Heather Cowan of Titusville, Florida; son, John P. Cowan and wife Holly and two grandchildren, Willow Cowan and Liam Cowan of Merritt Island, Florida; and a sister, Patricia Spivey of Geneva, Alabama.

Visitation will be between the hours 6 P.M. and 8 P. M. on Thursday, May 24, at Kent- Forest Lawn Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held at Grace Presbyterian Church on Friday, May 25, at 3:00 P.M., with the Reverend Tully Hunter officiating. A graveside service is planned at Kent-Forest Lawn Memorial Cemetery mausoleum.

Contributions may be made to Hospice of Cleveland County North Carolina and Grace Cares of Grace Presbyterian Church in Panama City, Florida.