Obituary of William Eugene Cowsert

William Eugene Cowsert, “Gene”, was born March 14, 1930, in Rosiclare, Illinois, to Ulys and Audrey Cowsert and departed this life on Saturday, July 20, 2024, in Benton, Illinois.
He married Leona Mae Short on June 19, 1949, in Rosiclare, Illinois. Two sons were born to this union, Larry and James (Jimmy).
He was predeceased by his wife, Leona; mother and father, Ulys and Audrey Cowsert; a brother, Quinn; a sister, Juanita Williams; his in-laws, Ruby and William Short; brother-in-law, Loren Allen Short; and sisters-in-law, Pat Emery and Wanda Reed.
He leaves to mourn his passing two sons, Larry (Michelle) of Destin, Florida; James of West Frankfort; seven grandchildren, Sean, Ben, Heather, Josh, George and Devon Cowsert, Joy Latham and ten great-grandchildren; sisters, Sue Cowsert and Betty Ashford; sisters-in-law, Peggy Wilson and Sharon McMillan; brothers-in-law, Bud and Robert Short and Carl Wilson; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins; and many friends.
Gene grew up working alongside his parents on The Lavender Farm in Hardin County. Everyone has heard his stories of how he developed a work ethic during his childhood. Gene credited his father for his work ethic and his mother for teaching him to love people.
While expecting Gene, his mother prayed for a child who would be a holiness preacher. As a child, he began preaching to the cattle from a stump in the barnyard and began preaching the gospel as a teen at his local Church of God church. His life has been one of pastoring to others and living God’s word each day.
It is fitting that it was at a church service that he met Leona Short who would become his wife. Whether it was pastoring a church, being an interim pastor for a church or at a church camp meeting, Gene and Leona worked side by side for the Lord throughout their lives.
In addition to church work, Gene began his employment in the office of Alcoa Mining. From there, he worked with an oil company in the Olney/Fairfield area. His entry into hospital administration was the next move and he remained in this area until retirement.
He directed the planning and building of two hospitals in Kentucky and Illinois. Gene worked in Chicago for a few years with the Illinois Hospital Association. During his tenure there, he was instrumental in creating the trauma center network in hospitals that has saved countless lives. While working full time, Gene obtained a Master’s Degree in Hospital Administration and wrote his thesis on trauma care.
Gene’s life was one well lived—married to the love of his life; raising two sons who made him proud; loving people whether at work, at church or at play; traveling in their motorhome; watching grandchildren and great-grandchildren grow.
A life filled with smiles and joy would best describe Gene. He was always ready with a joke and a smile. There was always time for prayer and a kind word. Although he had many losses, the greatest was the death of Leona. This was a loss without a recovery until now when he is with her again.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, July 27, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. at the Parker-Reedy Funeral Home in West Frankfort with Rev. Harold Miller officiating. Burial will be in the Tower Heights Cemetery in West Frankfort. Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Friday at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions can be made to the donors choice and will be accepted at the funeral home.

To purchase gifts and flowers locally, visit www.RosiclareFlowerBasket.net .