John Wendell McCowen, the son of Clarence and Lou Ann (Cole) McCowen, was born November 14, 1938, at home in College Springs, IA.  He died January 6, 2019, at the Oakland Manor Nursing Home in Oakland, IA, at the age of 80 years, 1 month, and 23 days.

John graduated from Coin High School in 1957. He attended Northwest Missouri State and graduated in 1961 with a baccalaureate degree in Science and Physical Education. John taught for one year in Melbourne, IA, before moving to Carson. John taught and coached at Carson-Macedonia for six years. On August 14, 1964, he was united in marriage to Barb Ripley in College Springs, IA. John received his master's degree from Omaha University and then became the guidance counselor and adult education director at Oakland High School. While at Oakland, John loved coaching different sports and was instrumental in starting the cross-country program. He retired in 1996. After his retirement, John remained active in the school system as a bus driver. He lived in Oakland until the time of his death.

John was a member of the Carson Presbyterian Church. He loved hunting and fishing with his children. John loved spending time with his grandchildren, following their activities, and teaching them to play cribbage. He was a devoted supporter of school activities and enjoyed driving to events and cheering the kids on.

John is preceded in death by his parents and his daughter, Susie in 2015.

John is survived by his wife Barb of Oakland, IA ; his children, Jeff McCowen and wife Stacy of Leavenworth, KS, and Beth Schueman and husband Mike of Avoca; his grandchildren:  Garret McCowen, Reece (Lindsey) Schueman, Beau McCowen, Johnni (Danny) Pattee, Hunter McCowen, Jaycie Schueman, Summer McCowen, and Marshall McCowen; his great grandchild Tenley Pattee; his sisters, Betty Parman of Maryville, MO, and Beverly Moe of Des Moines, IA; and his brother Jim (Gloria) McCowen of Coin, IA.  He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, January 10, 2019 at 10:30 AM at the Oakland United Methodist Church.  Visitation with the family will be Wednesday evening at the Oakland United Methodist Church from 5:00 PM until 7:30 PM.  A private interment will take place at the Oaklawn Cemetery.  Rieken Vieth Funeral Home in Oakland is in charge of arrangements.