John Webb Cowan

John Webb Cowan was called home on November 11, 2021 in Nashville, TN at the age of 99, departing from his lifelong love and devoted wife of 73 years, Dakie. He was born to Claude and Margaret Cowan on September 16, 1922, and was educated in Englewood Elementary and Duncan Preparatory Schools in Nashville. Ever the sports enthusiast, John played baseball and was captain of the football team at Duncan, and has always cheered on his beloved Vandy teams with his commanding voice.

John entered Vanderbilt University in 1941, and two years later joined the Naval Air Corp on his 21st birthday, receiving his commission at the University of Notre Dame. During WWII, John served at the Naval Air Station in Norfolk, VA. After the war, he returned to Vanderbilt to finish college and was a member of Sigma Xi Fraternity.

With his degree in aeronautical engineering, John’s first employment was with NACA (the forerunner of NASA) conducting wind tunnel research. He experienced a life change when he felt called to the Christian ministry. After graduating from Union Presbyterian Seminary in Richmond, VA, John served as a pastor for churches in Missouri, Virginia and Tennessee. John served on the Presbyterian Church USA’s National Council for nine years, and he exchanged pastorates with ministers in Scotland and South Africa.

In every field of service, John had a passion for the community. His support of blood banks led him to be a dedicated blood donor to the Red Cross for many years. He also served on the Board of Trustees of both Mary Baldwin College in Staunton, VA and Westminster College in Fulton, MO, where Winston Churchill delivered his “Iron Curtain” speech in 1946.

In 1978, John and Dakie moved back to Nashville where John served as a minister at Westminster Presbyterian Church. When John retired from Westminster, he continued to serve as interim pastor of numerous churches in the Presbytery of Middle Tennessee.

John is survived by his loving wife Dakie, and his five daughters, Allison Sarmo (Tim), Libby Wood, Ellen Compton, Becca Raymond (Scott) and Margaret Albert (Dave), as well as eight grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. John is predeceased by his parents; two brothers, Claude Jr. and Robert Cowan; and son-in-law, Wayne Wood.

The family would like to thank all the staff at Park Manor (now Abe’s Garden Community) for their kind and loving care during his residency.

A memorial service will be held at Westminster Presbyterian Church on Friday, November 19 at 3 pm, with visitation beginning at 1:30 pm in the parlor. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Westminster Presbyterian Church, Nashville, TN.