Joseph W. Cowan passed away on Saturday, July 30, 2016 at the age of 69. Joe was born and reared in Rutherford County, NC. Joe was a retired Registered Nurse who spent most of his career in pharmaceutical research in Research Triangle Park. Throughout his life Joe traveled extensively. In retirement he enjoyed reading, listening to his music, going to the gym, reading, watching college and professional basketball and reading. Clearly, he was a voracious reader with a great sense of humor.

Joe is survived by his sister, Susan Cowan of Charleston, SC, his niece, Susie Wittschen of Charleston, SC and nephews Mark Wittschen (Knoxville, TN) and David Buhite (Anchorage, AK) and preceded in death by his sister Libby Buhite.

A celebration of his life will be held at Crowe's Mortuary in Rutherfordton, NC on Saturday, August 6 at 2:00 PM.