of Paris, AR
April 20, 1964 - June 10, 2020
John Cowie, 56, of Paris Arkansas died at home Wednesday, June 10, 2020. He was born on April 20, 1964 in Stuttgart, AR to Robert G. Cowie and the late Bette Kay (Huck) Cowie of Paris.
He attended St. Joseph's Catholic School and was a graduate of Paris High School. He was a former member of the Arkansas Army National Guard. John worked as a Millwright for Galbraith Construction before deciding at age 40 to work on the oil rigs. John and Julie enjoyed traveling and working all over the country before they retired to his hometown of Paris. He'd tell you that he earned his living by putting his back into it, but it was his big shoulders and his big heart that those around him relied on most.
John was a proud member of the Paris Masonic Lodge #378. He served as Lodge Master in 2005 and again in 2015. He was especially involved with new masonic brothers and was known for visiting lodges around the area and even around the country. He was serving as Chaplain for his local lodge at the time of his death.
He was an avid collector of arrowheads and remnants of ancient local natives. He enjoyed fly fishing, four-wheeling, playing ship, captain and crew with his younger family members. He was known for his practical jokes. John enjoyed showing off his old ''rat rod'' '56 chevy pick-up truck.
Big John was a big man, a big brother, and a big presence. His passing has left a big hole. He will be greatly missed.
He was preceded in death by his mother, his maternal grandparents Frank and Angeline Huck, his paternal grandparents John and Betty Cowie, his father-in-law Jimmy Don Appleton.
Survivors include his wife of 31 years, Julia Appleton Cowie, three brothers: George and Teri Cowie of Defuniak Springs, FL, Louis and Kelly Cowie of Mooreville, MS, and Charlie and Rebecca Cowie of Fayetteville, AR; three sisters Anne Marie and Jim Canada of Subiaco, AR, Trish and WIllie Baumgartner of Ratcliff, AR and Kate and Scott Roberts of Russelleville, AR: Also mother-in-law Ann Appleton as well as brothers and sisters-in-law Clifford and Elizabeth Appleton of Paris, Mark and Beverly Friddle of Paris, Ashley and Lisa Appleton of Brownsville, AR and Wendy and Dustin Duvall of Subiaco, AR. John was uncle to twenty nephews and nieces: Hollie Studer, Noble Seigrist, Ricky Seigrist, Mitchell Seigrist, Angela Hicks, Jonathan Friddle, Ethan Friddle, Haylee Appleton, Cody Appleton, Britnee Appleton, Dyson Duvall, Evan Cowie, Natasha Cowie, Reuben Canada, Jacob Canada, Sam Canada, Jeremy Hice, Johnnie Rene' Hice, Logan Cowie and Luke Cowie.
A memorial visitation will be held from 5:00-8:00 p.m., on Friday, June 12, 2020 at Roller Funeral Home Chapel in Paris. Honorary Pallbearers are his brothers of the Paris Masonic Lodge #378
We are complying with the Arkansas Department of Health guidelines and limiting indoor funeral and visitation attendance to 50 people at one time. All attendees must provide and wear their own masks before entering.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his honor to an account that has been set up at
Subiaco Federal Credit Union
802 E Walnut Street
Paris, AR 72855
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30 Condolence(s)
Brent Appleton
Sunday, June 28, 2020
Julie,and family i am really sorry this happened. John was a really great guy and i enjoyed all the times i got to spend with yall. He's gonna be missed so much. If you need anything let me know. With deepest sympathy Brent
Lesley Cummins
Monday, June 15, 2020
I am deeply sorry prayers for you and your family may God give you peace during this time love you guys bunches
Laurie Churchman
Saturday, June 13, 2020
So sorry for your loss. You are in my prayers.
Julie Varnell
Saturday, June 13, 2020
I only knew John from the blood drives. He was so faithful to donate and give the gift of life to others. He will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Ralph and Brenda Ramos
Friday, June 12, 2020
John was a wonderful man with a big heart he’s going to be sadly missed my prayers to the family at all
Jim&Karen Czaplicki
Friday, June 12, 2020
Fly high, John, & may you Rest In Peace
Tonya Salas
Friday, June 12, 2020
John was a great guy with a big heart! Always making jokes and trying to uplift your spirits! He always put others before himself, especially Julia, as he loved her more than words can say! He was a big presence wherever he went bc everyone loved him! He will missed by so many? My heart and prayers go out to Julia, and the rest of the family, as I pray God will give you Comfort and Peace during this difficult time. God Bless you.
Sue Gehring
Friday, June 12, 2020
John was a great guy. He had the biggest heart of anyone I know. He will be truly missed. Prayers for the family.
Susan E. Johnson
Thursday, June 11, 2020
John was a big man with a big heart and a lust for life - he will be greatly missed. Prayers for all for faith and comfort.
Angela Wade Dickson
Thursday, June 11, 2020
So sorry for your loss. John was a wonderful, kind classmate. My prayers are with all the family during this very difficult time.
Mike Oman
Thursday, June 11, 2020
I am deeply sorry for your loss.
Bill and Laurie Cramton
Thursday, June 11, 2020
Prayers, love and healing to your family. Lean on each other, treasure your memories and know that God is with you.
Darlene Friddle Becker
Wednesday, June 10, 2020
So sorry for the loss of your loved one. John was a caring person & liked by everyone he met. The family will be in my thoughts & prayers.
Lisa Trehern
Wednesday, June 10, 2020
You are free. Soar with the eagles. But you will be missed here on earth.
David Ritch
Wednesday, June 10, 2020
Sorry to hear about John he always made people smile and laugh with his jokes. You all will be in my prayers.
Joe and Pam Ihle
Wednesday, June 10, 2020
Sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers for the family!
Brandon Goff
Wednesday, June 10, 2020
So sorry for your loss! John was a great guy and well liked!
Rick Seigrist
Wednesday, June 10, 2020
Be will be missed
Sheri Turner & Bill Elsken
Wednesday, June 10, 2020
Julia, Were so sorry for your loss, and pray that peace will cover you in the days to come.. John Cowie was Big John to most of Paris and will be missed.
Lindsey Carter
Wednesday, June 10, 2020
Rest In Peace Big John.
Lindsey. & Kymber
Denise Coor
Wednesday, June 10, 2020
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Sending lots of love.
Mary Oman
Wednesday, June 10, 2020
Julie, Words, no matter how kind can not take away your heartache. Just know that John's love will be with you always. Wishing you peace and strength. I am so very sorry for your loss.
Marcus Threadgill
Wednesday, June 10, 2020
May care and love of those around you provide comfort and peace to get you through the days ahead. My most sincere condolences.
Hermina Bridges
Wednesday, June 10, 2020
So sorry for your loss! Thoughts and prayers are with you all!
Julie Varnell
Wednesday, June 10, 2020
I only knew John from the blood drives. He was so faithful to donate and give the gift of life to others. He will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Brenda and Charlie Knoles
Wednesday, June 10, 2020
So sorry about John's death. He was a man who loved his steak, we used to laugh at his rare steak. Prayers for you Julie and all.
Shannon McCubbin
Wednesday, June 10, 2020
Wrapping the family in love & prayers.
Mike and Kelly Becker
Wednesday, June 10, 2020
Sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers for the family!
Shannon & Tommy Patterson
Wednesday, June 10, 2020
So sorry
Ricky and Kit Brooks
Wednesday, June 10, 2020
Julie and family,
We are so sorry to hear about John, such a huge loss we are praying for you and your family if there is anything we can do please let us know.
Love and prayers Ricky and Kit Brooks