Charles Randy ‘Coach’ Cowger

Charles Randy “Coach” Cowger, 66, of Noel, Mo., formerly of Hiwasse, died on Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2017, while at St. Luke’s Hospital in Kansas City, Mo., after months of declining health.

He was born Oct. 8, 1951, in Bentonville, to Charles Ronald and Irene (Holland) Cowger. He was raised in Hiwasse and was a 1969 graduate of Gravette High School. He attended the University of Arkansas and Missouri Southern State University, receiving his bachelor’s degree in education. He was a dedicated educator and coach. He coached football in Arkansas for 32 years, with the last 28 years in the Bentonville school system. He was a longtime member of the Hiwasse Christian Church.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and his grandparents, Will and Bertha (Spiva) Cowger of Hiwasse, and Irvie and Ethel (Russell) Holland of Jane, Mo.

He is survived by his wife, Pamela (Boyd) Cowger of the home; a stepson, Adam Kalmbach and Cassie Fox of Edmonds, Wash.; two siblings, Bill Cowger and wife Karen of Hiwasse, and Diane (Cowger) Mann and husband Bob of Rogers; and his father-in-law, Frank Boyd of Noel.

Memorial services for Coach Cowger were held Saturday, Oct. 21, at the Washington Junior High School basketball gymnasium (1501 NE Wildcat Way, Bentonville) with David Presley officiating. Arrangements were by Ozark Funeral Home in Anderson, Mo.