Gene Edward Cowan

Gene E. Cowan, 88, of Smithsburg, MD, passed away Tuesday, April 23, 2019, at the VA Medical Center in Martinsburg, WV. Born Monday, March 30, 1931, in Hagerstown, MD, he was the son of the late Earl O. and Anna Catherine (Spessard) Cowan. He was a graduate of Smithsburg High School. He was a veteran of the Korean War, serving in the United States Marine Corp. He retired from Doubleday Book Company after more than 30 years of service. He is survived by three daughters, Cheryl Frush and husband Ron of Fountain Hills, Arizona, Tonya Harp and husband David of Stephens City, Virginia, and Lisa Tebbs of Conway, South Carolina; two sisters Patty Willard and husband, Paul, and Shirley King; one brother Orlan Cowan and wife, Pat; grandchildren Kyle Harp and Kaitlyn Harp; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Norma J. Cowan February 6, 1994; and brothers, Ronald T. Cowan and Melvin E. “Pete” Cowan. Services will be held Friday, May 3, 2019, at 10:00am at J.L. Davis Funeral Home, Smithsburg, MD, with Pastor David Young officiating. Burial will be in Smithsburg Cemetery with military honors provided by the Joint Veterans Council of Washington County and the Marine Corp League of Hagerstown. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Gene’s name to a charity of your choice. Online condolences may be offered at www.jldavisfh.com.