Roy Charles Cowan

Roy Charles Cowan, born on November 24, 1956, in Cincinnati, Ohio, was called to Heaven suddenly on October 30, 2025, at Heartland Church in Fishers, Indiana. He was a good and faithful servant of Jesus, known for feeding and hugging people without hesitation.

Roy is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Kimberly (née McCarty); his children, William Roy (Rebecca) Cowan and Katie (Jeff) Sickmeier; his grandsons, Ian and Wesley Sickmeier; his sisters, Linda Cowan and Marian (Jim) Wallace; sister-in-law, Nancy Cowan; goddaughter, Jessica Wallace; an abundance of nieces and nephews; and a dear grand-doodle, Winston. He is preceded in death by his parents, William Kenneth and Mary Elizabeth Cowan; and his older brother, Terry Cowan.

If Roy’s stories are correct, he was born ready to ride a bicycle up and down every hill in Cincinnati. His dad, Ken, gave him early—and legally dubious—driving lessons, as well as a lifelong love of cooking. His mom, Betty, taught him to tend every flower, plant, and tree. He looked up to his big brother, Terry, and doted on his beloved sisters, Linda and Marian.

Roy won varsity letters in track, wrestling, and football at Glen Este High School. He was later inducted into the Glen Este High School Hall of Fame. He played football at Georgetown College, where he found brotherhood on the field and in the Kappa Alpha fraternity. His love of sports endured even as a long-suffering Cincinnati Bengals fan.

Roy met his future bride, Kimberly, at the age of 16 while both were visiting family members in a Cincinnati hospital. In 1978 they married, and their partnership centered on service to their family, community, and church. Only death could part them.

Their kids, William Roy and Katie, knew Roy as a devoted dad, coach, teacher, cook, group leader, prayer warrior, and wish granter. He bent them toward their purpose and sent them into the world to thrive. Their friends were greeted and fed like extended family, but only the lucky few got to hold the Thanksgiving turkey neck. Roy’s greatest joy was bearing the titles of Papaw, fishing buddy, popcorn chef, and LEGO master to Ian and Wesley.

The extended Cowan family grew, celebrated, vacationed, and transformed together over Roy’s lifetime. Uncle Roy was equal to the task of pool launcher and family chiropractor. The McCarty family embraced Roy as part of their boisterous ranks. He was known affectionately to Nick, Jim, Beep, Karen, and Annie as “Cow Baby.” Roy reciprocated their style by teasing his mother-in-law, Gerry, mercilessly with dinner rolls.

Roy lived his values as an honest, hard worker. He was an honorable businessman. He made an impact across the U.S. and Canada during his 40-year career in grocery distribution and logistics. His strength was supporting employees, often grilling meals for entire warehouse shifts, even as he pushed them to reach challenging goals.

Roy’s annual transformation into Santa was a gift he shared with family, nursing home residents, and employee families. It was the embodiment of his life, serving others with goodness and a hopeful heart.

In their last decade together, Kim was Roy’s champion through medical struggles and near miraculous recoveries. He lived meaningfully until his final moments.

Roy’s memorial will be held on Thursday, November 6, 2025, at Heartland Church, 14900 126th Street in Fishers. Visitation is 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. A service for all who wish to attend will follow from 12–12:45 p.m.

A celebration of life will be planned and held in Cincinnati at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Gleaners Food Bank (https://donor.gcfb.org/page/donate) or to Heartland Church (https://www.heartlandchurch.com/give) in Roy’s name, so his legacy of feeding the masses may continue.

Condolences: www.randallroberts.com