After a valiant fight with diabetes and heart disease, Bob passed away peacefully, with his wife by his side, Saturday, December 24, 2016. Bob was born to Guy and Mattie Lou Cowen in 1940, in Opp, Alabama. He attended local schools and followed his education as an Army Paratrooper in the 101st Airborne Division. He loved to joke that during his first experience on an airplane he jumped out of it.

Following his service to our country, Bob spent his career as a real estate developer in Alabama, Texas, and Northwest Florida. To be near his family, he moved to Pensacola, Florida, where he met and married his love, Karen Cook. Bob possessed great passion for children, and they were instinctively drawn to him. He was known lovingly as Daddy Bob, as his warmth and spirited compassion were evident in his love of all children. It was this passion which led him to an instrumental role in the development of the Santa Rosa Kids House in Milton, Florida. With many residential and commercial developments to his credit, the Kids House was a source of great pride for him.

Bob was playful and a masterful story-teller who loved to laugh and dance with his friends and family. He loved being on the water fishing, boating, and spending time with his buddies. He devoted his time and heart to the Pensacola Beach Mardi Gras Krewe of Bananimals, serving as their king in 2010; an honor bestowed upon him for his service and dedication. Bob had a deep and devoted faith in God, and his faith has shown through his love of others all of his life. He loved the holidays, but especially cherished all the wonder of the Christmas season, and it is fitting that he chose to go home to the Lord on the eve of the celebration of Christ's birth.

Bob was committed to and cherished his wife, his children, and his grandchildren. He was a pillar of strength and pride, and shared his unconditional love, his support, and his grounded approach to life with each of us. Bob's love and compassion for others was immeasurable. He will be sorely missed, never forgotten, and will continue to serve as a pillar of strength and commitment to our family.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory, his loving and dedicated wife, Karen Cook Cowen; his children, Tyler (& Deborah) Cowen and Drew (& Kara) Cowen; his grandchildren, Cody, Samantha and Rabecca; his sister, Sara Nell Cowen; and his former wife and mother of his children Linda Bishop Whitman Brent, along with many nieces, nephews, and blended and extended family members.

Bob is predeceased by his parents, his brother, Elmer Cowen and sister, Ada Louise Cowen Lynn.

A celebration of his life will be held Thursday, December 29th, at the Gulf Breeze United Methodist Church. Visitation will be at 1:00 p.m., with services at 2:00 p.m., followed by a brief graveside committal at the Rose Lawn Cemetery.

Pall bearers include Ivan Bishop, Eric Bushnell, Cody Cowen, Heath Cowen, Joe Cowen, Bryan Denham, Brandon Foshee, Greg Garcia, Pete Moore and Dan Smith.

Anyone who wishes to may donate to the Santa Rosa Kids House in honor of our beloved Bob Cowen.