Gary Leland Cowger

Gary Leland Cowger of Dallas, Texas, passed away on Friday, February 17, 2023, in Plano, Texas. Gary will always be remembered by those who knew and loved him for his passionate and unwavering love for two things: his family and cars.

Gary was born on April 18, 1947, to parents Glen Leland and Esther (Smith) Cowger in Kansas City, Kansas. He leveraged his love of the American automobile early in life to forge a successful career at General Motors that spanned over five decades. He began his career in 1965 as a co-op student for General Motors Institute (now Kettering University) at the GM Assembly Division plant in Kansas City. From there, he rose quickly through the company’s ranks and enjoyed roles of ever-increasing responsibility that took him and his loving wife, Kay, around the world. From 1979 to 1987, he held a variety of plant leadership positions in Lansing, MI, Wentzville, MO, and Lordstown, OH. In 1994 he was named President and Managing Director of GM de Mexico. In 1998, he was appointed Chairman and Managing Director of Adam Opel AG in Germany. Gary and Kay returned to the US in 2000 when he was named the Group Vice President of North American Manufacturing and Labor Relations. That next year he was named the President of GM North America and held that position until 2005, when he was appointed manager all of GM’s manufacturing operations globally.

Gary’s passion for cars was equaled by his devotion to higher education and voluntary service. In addition to his Industrial Engineering degree from GMI in 1970, he also received a Master of Science degree from MIT 1978 and Honorary Doctorates from Lindenwood University in 2002 and Kettering University in 2007. He was also elected to the National Academy of Engineering in 2006. In addition, he served on the Boards of Kettering University, The College for Creative Studies, Focus HOPE and the Detroit Symphony Orchestra.

He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years and high school sweetheart, Kay Cowger of Dallas, Texas, his son Christopher Cowger of Austin, Texas, and four grandchildren - Alex Narvaez of Forney, Texas, Sydney Narvaez of Dallas, Texas, Bretton Cowger of Austin, Texas, and Bodhi Cowger of Austin, Texas. He was preceded in death by daughter Melinda Narvaez of Dallas, Texas, and grandson Mark Narvaez of Dallas, Texas.

A funeral service will take place at 3:00 pm on Saturday, February 25, 2023, at Sparkman-Hillcrest Funeral Home in Dallas, Texas, with a reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The American Cancer Society.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.Sparkman-Hillcrest.com for the Cowger family.