Edward Austin Cowart

Edward Austin "Ed" Cowart passed away October 9, 2014 at the age of 94. Born to Mary Eleanor (Richards) and William Lomax Cowart in Neame, Louisiana on January 10, 1920, he was the youngest of their nine children.

He moved with his family to Beaumont, Texas around 1925 where he spent his early years. His family then moved to Houston, Texas in 1935, where he attended John H. Reagan High School, graduating in 1938. He also attended the University of Houston briefly before entering military service during World War II.

Ed enlisted in the Navy and served in the Medical Corps. After the war, he returned to Houston and worked for various energy companies in both Texas and South America. He retired from Texaco in 1982. He and his family were long-time members of Bering Methodist Church where he readily and willingly donated his time and money.

Ed was preceded in death by his parents, brothers: Chester, Everett, William, Jefferson and Fredric Cowart; sisters: Florence Knight, Eleanor Tate and Nelda Kimbro; and several nieces and nephews. He was also preceded in death by his life partner, Robert Wier, who died in 1994.

Ed is survived by nephews Gary Cowart, Ted Cowart, Tex Cowart, Norman Cowart and Fred Cowart Jr.; and nieces Dolores Carpenter, Sue Sonnier, Ann Isom, Pamela Wright and Carol Bane. Many grand nephews and nieces also survive.

A memorial service will be conducted at 10 o'clock in the morning on Tuesday, October 14, 2014 at Forest Park Westheimer Funeral Home and Cemetery, 12800 Westheimer Road, where Reverend Larry Leutwyler will officiate. Interment will follow in the mausoleum. Contributions may be made in Ed's memory to Bering Memorial United Methodist Church - Omega House.