Dr. Cowden

Dr. Charles Marshall Cowden, passed away peacefully at home on May 18, 2011. He was 79 years old and the only child of Ray and Lyla Cowden of Sparta, TN who preceded him in death. Dr. Cowden leaves his wife, Ilene Hooper Cowden whom he called "his Puddin"; children, Gail Caldwell Hancock; Chuck Jackie, Doug Paula & Jeff Talisa Cowden; step-children, Donna Robinson Miller & Frederick Danielle Robinson; grandchildren, Marshall Jama Cook, Ashley Kent Stock, Chase Catherine, Weston, Tucker, and Savannah Cowden; Micah Draper, Zack Howell, McKenzie & Schuyler Robinson, Brennan and Ashlan Miller; great-grandchildren, Carson & Campbell Cook, Caroline Draper, Abi, Lilli and Kyle Stock; mother-in-law, Elizabeth Hooper; sisters-in-law, Wanda Al Hethcoat, Sheila Eric Meredith all of Waverly, Renee Hooper of Nashville, Sarah Wyrick; and mother of his children, Nancy Covert. Dr. Cowden was a graduate of Sparta High School, David Lipscomb College, U.T. Pharmacy School, and U.T. Medical School. He had a general and surgical practice in Hendersonville and Gallatin from 1965-1985. He was loved by his many patients and remembered for his loving and caring spirit, his patience and understanding. Before retiring from private practice he served as chief of surgery and chief of staff at Nashville Memorial Hospital and was the first chief of staff at Hendersonville Hospital where he also served as chief of surgery. Because of his love of work and the medical profession, Dr. Cowden continued his career in Emergency Room and Occupational medicine for many years. He was a member of the Army reserves, fellow of the American College of Surgeons, Nashville Academy of Medicine, among many other organizations including First Baptist Church of Hendersonville, he participated in several mission trips including Venezuela, Mexico, and Brazil. Active pallbearers will be, Joe Towe, Gene Gaskins, Trent Bain, and grandsons, Chase, Weston, & Tucker Cowden, Marty Cook, and Zack Howell. Honorary pallbearers will be Peggy & Art Alexander, Paul & Kay Bain, Phil & Rosemary Baird, Bill & Jean Barnette, Ray Bowles, Dr. James Cato, Shirley & David Cooper, Dr. Jim Craig, Eleanor & Al Crance, Ann Dobbs, Dorothea Douglas, Dr. Paul Enoch, Dr. Roy Ezell, Frank Freels, Dr. Dick & Betty Anne Hannon, Richard & Peggy McHenry, Dr. Brent Moody, Jimmie & John Moore, Scott Potter, Betty Powell, Ruth Rodgers, Ronnie Russell, Peggy & Lawrence West, Gary & Martha Petty, Sanctuary Choir of First Baptist Hendersonville, Huffine & Bracey Sunday School Class, Thursday Night Bunko Group, and HaHa sisters & spouses. The family will receive friends on Friday, May 20th from 1-8 p.m. at Hendersonville Funeral Home and on Saturday, May 21st from 9-11 a.m. at First Baptist Church, Hendersonville. A life celebration will be held on Saturday, May 21st at 11:00 a.m. from First Baptist Church, Hendersonville with Rev. Courtney Wilson, Dr. Bruce Chesser, Rev. Jeff Lake, and Rev. Richard Gaia officiating. Interment will follow in Hendersonville Memory Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church, Hendersonville Building Fund. Arrangements entrusted to: HENDERSONVILLE MEMORY GARDENS AND FUNERAL HOME, 615824-3855 www.hendersonvillefh.com "A Life Celebration Home"