Jul 14, 2023

William Guy Cowden, 86, of Cross Creek Township, passed away Wednesday, July 12, 2023, in his home, with family at his side.

He was born April 26, 1937, in Canonsburg, a son of the late Clair V. and Elizabeth “Bettye” Boyle Cowden.

Guy was a 1956 graduate of Hickory High School, where he was a Keystone Farmer and a standout football player.

Following high school, he served with the Army National Guard and worked for LTV and J & L Steel, where he was known as “Bill” or “Farmer Bill” for 44 years, predominantly in the rolling mill in various capacities.

Guy attended Hickory U.E.P. Church.

He was an avid farmer and was very proud of the high-quality Registered Angus herd he built. His bulls were highly prized and sold at substantial premiums. Over the past five years, he continued to work the farm even in declining health.

Mr. Cowden loved operating his beloved John Deere tractor. He seemed most satisfied when he was accompanied by a younger generation – many grandchildren, great- grandchildren, nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews were thrilled to share a ride on his tractor or gator.

Surviving are five children, Debra Montgomery (Philo) of Wheeling, W.Va., Kimberly Freno (the late Dave) of Cecil, Todd R. Cowden of Cross Creek Township, Christy Campbell (Wayne) of Millersport, Ohio, and Thomas W. Cowden (Michelle) of Avella; nine grandchildren, Krista Lechok (Jesse), Marisa Ruiz (Yohandry), Justin Freno (Leigh), Kristin Freno, Jonna Drost (Dustin), Ryan Campbell (Shayna), Alex Campbell, Thomas Cowden (Brittany) and Seth Cowden; nine great- grandchildren, Giavanna, Owen, Dean, Ethan, Jolie, Elias, Tripp, Noah and Bowen; two brothers, Van Cowden (Bonnie) of Cross Creek Township, and Jere Cowden (Sharon) of Sewickley; a sister, Anita Cowden of Montgomery, Ala.; his best friend and farm hand, Harry Prevost; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews; and a special thanks to care giver Connie Rush.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Wilma Steele Cowden; his former wife and mother of his children, Bernice Hunt Frazier; a grandson, Tyler Campbell; and a sister, Carol Caldwell.

Friends will be received from 1 to 3 and 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday, July 16, in the McIlvaine-Speakman Funeral Home Ltd., Robert K. McIlvaine, owner/supervisor, 27 N. Cherry Avenue, Houston, PA 15342, and from 10 to 11 a.m., the time of service, Monday, July 17, in the Hickory UEP Church, 210 Main Street, Hickory, PA 15340. Interment will follow in Mt. Prospect Cemetery.

Condolences may be left for the family by viewing the obituary at www.mcilvaine-speakman.com.