“Big” Bill Cowden

“Big” Bill Cowden, passed away on April 23rd, 2026 at the age of 92. Born in Cleveland, Ohio on August 26, 1933 to parents Lucille (Rich) and Russell Cowden. Bill moved to Senecaville, Ohio in his early years so he could help the family on the farm. Married to Sue (Shepard) Cowden for sixty-five wonderful years. Father to three boys, Gary, Jerry, and Bill.
A full life of work, play and relationships. Bill played basketball in high school as a Senecaville Indian, on to the Army, then college at Ohio University on the GI Bill where he met mom, in a bar, as the story goes (shocker). Straight out of school and on to work for Southeastern Equipment Company where he formed hundreds of long-lasting cherished relationships. Retiring after forty-six years after helping the company grow from a small garage in Old Washington, to a large multistate corporation.
Outside of work it was horses, boating, camping, and travel – all of which involved a variety of good friends who gave him great happiness through the years.
Raising, showing and dealing in horses was a passion. He had horses as a boy, and got back into them as soon as he had the means. He enjoyed everything from breeding to foaling and showing. He liked to ride, but it was hard to find a horse big enough as he made a normal size horse look like a pony.
Having worked on the docks at Seneca Lake in the early years, he had a passion for boats. Bill bought and sold more than a few and always had one at the ready to enjoy on a hot day with his family when it was just too hot to work in the barn.
Camping was a way to slowly explore the country. Trips might be local, out west, or down south. Maybe a weekend, or maybe a month. Then, maybe selling the camper and getting a different one. Are you seeing a pattern?
Wheeling and dealing was probably his favorite hobby. Always looking for a boat, camper, horse trailer, antique, or something he could make a buck on. Not sure it was really about the profit, but more about the “deal” and the people he might meet.
He is survived by his wife, Sue, his three boys Gary, Jerry (Teresa), and Bill (Jana). Grandchildren Sean (Kate), Evan, Amanda (Nate), Alayna (Caleb) and Bradley. Great grandchildren Luca and Eli.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Russell and Lucille, brother Dick, sister Elnora and daughter-in-law Nancy.
In the end these were his own words, “I’ve had a good run”. A big man as comfortable in a jacket and tie as he was in cutoff jeans. Well rounded, steady, and calm in a crisis. A man with many of life experiences that he shared when he thought it might help someone. Leaving behind a lifetime of memories and some damn big boots to fill.
Bill’s online tribute wall may be viewed and signed at www.bundy-lawfuneralhome.com.