Mark P. Cowans

Mark Patrick Cowans came into the world on March 17, 1956 in Syracuse, New York to join his parents William George and Mary Elizabeth (Schiltz) Cowans. He entered into the kingdom of Heaven peacefully at the age of 61 on January 17, 2018 at his home in Overland Park, Kansas with his wife and daughters by his side.

There are so many things one could say about Mark. He was more than an employee of YRCFreight (formerly Yellow Freight) for over 30 years. That is what he did, but what those who knew him will remember is he was kind, gentle, respectful, humorous, helpful, appreciative, humble, a devout Christian, family-oriented, with strong morals and values. It will be remembered he was a man of integrity. All of these traits shine through in the reflections of his family below.

He is predeceased by his parents and his brother Tim Cowans. Mark leaves behind to carry on his legacy his wife, Cathy (Garris) Cowans, daughter, Stephanie Falck and husband, Christopher, daughter, Jen Hershberger and husband Justin, grandchildren, August and Catherine Falck, sister, Chris Cowans, sister, Mary Sanders and husband Ken, and brother Steve Cowans and wife Dorene.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions in memory of Mark to: The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection, Community Care Fund, 13720 Roe Ave, Leawood, Kansas 66224.

Family Reflections

Cathy’s Reflections

How does one pick a favorite memory from more than 40 years together? Mark and I met at the University of Tennessee my freshman year – his sophomore year. I was actually dating his suite-mate who was from my hometown and went to my high school (graduated a year ahead of me). A group of kids from my high school met for dinner occasionally at the dining hall. So, I went along one night. Well, Mark also came. I met him and must say was not very impressed! He had a quirky sense of humor and wore glasses that didn’t seem to suit his face. Time went on and he was always with “the group” for dinner. Once I actually started talking to him, he grew on me. My dorm was having a cookout and we could invite dates. By this time, I wasn’t dating the guy from my hometown anymore and I asked Mark if he would like to go to the cookout. He did. One thing I learned very quickly about Mark was his humility and kindness. He wasn’t out to impress anyone. He was comfortable in his own skin and truly cared about others. Not traits easily found on a college campus. By the end of my freshman year, I was smitten! He had started wearing contacts and I began noticing a cute smile and intense eyes. We became inseparable. Mark graduated in December 1978. I graduated in June 1979. I graduated on a Tuesday with the following Saturday being our wedding day.

For the next 38 years Mark was my best friend, partner, confidant and teacher. He taught me how to do repairs around the house, how to maintain lawn equipment and take care of the lawn, how to be kind to others, have compassion and treat others with respect. He never raised his voice, did not argue and treated others with respect and dignity. At times this infuriated me – I could get myself in a “tizzy” and want to fight a good fight! Mark wasn’t built that way. His first job was with McLean Trucking Company – which went out of business in 1984. He then started his lifelong career with Yellow Freight – now YRCFreight. He began as a shop supervisor in Atlanta Georgia and worked his way to Director of Equipment Services. He was offered the Director position in 2001 and we made our way to Overland Park, KS. Through his career we have lived in South Carolina (with McLean), Georgia, California, Florida (Jacksonville and Orlando), Tennessee and Kansas.

His greatest joy in life was his “girls”. Stephanie was born in 1981 and Jennifer followed in 1984. He adored his girls to the end. He was so proud of both of them, their accomplishments, their families, and their character. He was a wonderful Dad. He played with them on the floor, taught them to ride their bikes, took them camping, played “tether ball” daily, read to them, hugged them and let them know he loved them dearly.

Me – I’ve lost my life partner. But he has made me a better mom, friend, wife and a better Christian. Mark’s faith was instrumental in his life. He wasn’t one to talk a lot about his strong faith, he just lived it! I’ve lost my life partner, but heaven has gained a remarkable ANGEL!

Steph’s Reflections

Dad taught me to play the card game Crazy Eights. While teaching me, he instructed me to put some cards into a “Gomer Pile.” I started to put the cards in a pile, and then looked up at him to see if this was a “Gomer Pile.” Dad laughed so hard at my confused expression – Gomer Pyle is the name of a character in one of his favorite TV shows, The Andy Griffith Show. From then on and to this day, the family called card game piles “Gomer Piles.”

Jen’s Reflections

Dad and I designed and made wooden racing cars together. We called the best one the “Genie Car,” and it featured a toy Genie from Aladdin sitting in the driver’s seat of a forest green, sanded, weighted wooden racing car complete with a windshield and racing stripes. We took the Genie Car to a YMCA competition and won third place! I’ll always keep the Genie Car and third place trophy. Our other car creations were the “Scar Car,” and “Jurassic Park” car, with the respective figurines included.