Colonel John Williams Cowan Jr.

Colonel John Williams Cowan Jr., Marine Aviator, 73, of Hickory, passed away Friday, May 1, 2026, at his home. He was the son of the late John Williams Cowan and Erika Cowan.

Colonel John W. Cowan Jr. was a retired Marine Corps officer and Naval Aviator with more than 30 years of distinguished service. After graduating from Greensboro College, John was commissioned in 1975. He served extensively as a CH-46 Sea Knight pilot, instructor, maintenance officer, and squadron and group commander, and completed multiple operational deployments across the Western Pacific, Mediterranean, Middle East, South America, Northern Iraq, and Afghanistan.

His leadership included command of HMM-263 and Marine Aircraft Group-26, where he oversaw the initial Fleet Marine Force fielding of the MV-22 Osprey and led relief and multinational training operations overseas.

His later assignments included executive and leadership positions at The Basic School, Marine Corps Combat Development Command, Training and Education Command, and as Air Officer for 2d Marine Division, deploying in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Decorations include the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal with two gold stars, Air Medal (Strike/Flight numeral “3”), and the Navy Commendation Medal with three gold stars.

Following military retirement in 2002, Colonel Cowan continued his service to the Marine Corps community as Senior Naval Science Instructor at West Caldwell High School and later as Division Director for Marine and Family Services, MCCS Camp Lejeune, overseeing programs supporting Marines, families, and retirees.

John loved the North Carolina mountains, canoeing the New River, and riding his BMW motorcycle. He adored spending time with his son, daughter and grandchildren and loved teaching his grandchildren about nature, geography, and history. John and his partner, Tammy, enjoyed traveling together and spending time with friends and family.

John never met a stranger and loved all of the Marines he ever worked with. It was not uncommon for him to randomly cross paths with those whose lives he had touched all over the world. His friendship and mentorship will be missed by so very many.

John was a proud Marine with a passion for aviation. He channeled that passion by volunteering with the Hickory Aviation Museum, believing in their mission to honor military aviators, preserve history, and inspire the next generation.

This beloved father and grandfather is survived by his daughter, Jennifer Saul (Sascha), and grandchildren, Emerson and Beckett, of Raleigh, NC; his son, David Cowan (Aimee), and grandchildren, Adelaide and Cailin, of Bethlehem, PA; his partner, Tammy Beck of the home, and her son, Jamen (Michelle), of Raleigh, NC; his sister, Erika Cowan of New Jersey; as well as nieces and nephews in New Jersey and Connecticut.

Memorials may be made in Colonel John Cowan’s name to the Hickory Aviation Museum / Sabre Society, 3101 9th Ave Dr NW, Box 6, Hickory, NC 28601, or to the Greensboro College Scholarship Fund in John Cowan’s name through Greensboro College Giving.

The family will hold a private celebration of life.

Please sign the online guestbook at www.caringcremations.net. The Cowan family has entrusted arrangements to Caring Cremations Life Celebrations and Funerals at 828-855-3350.