Benjie Ben Cowan

Benjie Archil “Ben” Cowan, longtime resident of Ponca City, passed Wednesday, September 4, 2013 at his home. He was 75 years of age.

Benjie was born May 9, 1938 in Ralston, Oklahoma, the son of Ben Cowan and Nina (Mullins) Cowan. His early education was received in the Ralston Schools. He was married to Kay Kinsey prior to his marriage to Willa Bannister Phelps on July 19, 1967 in Ponca City. Benjie was a trucker most of his life and had been employed with Tommy Lewis Trucking, Sullivan Trucking and Evans Construction. He was also employed at one time with Resthaven Memorial Park Cemetery in Ponca City.

Benjie was an outdoorsman and his enjoyments included fishing, camping and rodeos.

He is survived by his wife, Willa; five children Anita Kay Willard and husband Clyde, Scott Cowan and wife Nadine, Benjie Cowan Jr., Randy Keith Cowan and Terry Wayne Cowan and wife Rhonda; two step-children, Don Phelps and wife Paul, and Earl Phelps; 13 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. Numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and other extended family.

He was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers, Claude Cowan, Robert Cowan, Elmer Cowan and Joe Cowan; two sisters, Betty Dugan and Lilly Book; and one infant daughter.

A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, September 14, 2013 at Grace Memorial Chapel with Hospice of North Central Oklahoma Chaplain Tom Howard presiding.