Francis Cowdin

Francis A. Cowdin, age 86, of Janesville passed away on Saturday, November 21, 2015 at his home in Janesville.

Memorial services will be held on Wednesday, November 25, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at the Janesville United Methodist Church in Janesville with Pastor Kathy King officiating. Interment will be held at Alta Vista Cemetery in Kansas at a later date.

Visitation will be held for one hour prior to services at the church on Wednesday.

Francis Arlan, son of Emory and Anna (Sershen) Cowdin, was born on May 30, 1929 in Melvern, Kansas. He grew up in Kansas and attended school there. He was united in marriage to Donna McDiffett on September 30, 1947 in Council Grove, Kansas. Following their marriage, they moved to Janesville and started their family. Francis worked at Arnoldt Furniture in Janesville before opening Cowdin Floors, which he owned and operated. He also played the bass guitar in the Good Ole Boys band. Francis was a talented artist who enjoyed painting saw blades. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing. He had a great sense of humor and loved making people laugh. Francis especially loved spending time with his family.

Francis is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Donna Cowdin of Janesville; his children, Mary (Dennis) Conrad of Janesville, Judy Daschner of Janesville, Tom (Rita) Cowdin of Janesville, Joyce (Ken) Walters of Bloomington, Tena (Willie) Harris of Bloomington, and David (Gail) Cowdin of Pemberton; 18 grandchildren; 30 great grandchildren; 8 step great grandchildren; sister-in-law, Maxine Cowdin of Dwight, KS; many nieces and nephews; and by many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sons-in-law, LeRoy Daschner and David Schweim; granddaughter, Nicole Conrad; brothers, Murriel Cowdin, Theo Cowdin, Arlow Cowdin, Dale Cowdin, Wayne Cowdin, and by his sister, Myrtle Cowdin.