Monte D. Cowen

Monte Duane Cowen, 48, of Spartanburg, followed God’s path Home on Wednesday, November 22.
   He was born in Richmond, Indiana on September 8, 1969 to Sidney Duane and Rose Marie Longfellow Cowen. Monte was a 1988 graduate of Randolph Southern High School and attended Ball State University.
   Monte centered his life around Christ and kids. He was a lifelong faithful member of the Spartanburg Christian Church, where he served as a Deacon and Chairman of the church board. He taught upper elementary junior church and was always willing to share his music ministry, making joyful noises to the Lord whenever invited. He was a board member of Secret Families of Randolph County, helping spread Christmas cheer to those less fortunate. He served in mission work in New Mexico, Honduras and Belize.
   Monte’s dedication to kids was always evident. He was a substitute teacher in many area schools and coached many baseball and basketball teams at many levels over the years. He was formerly the Director of Athletics at Randolph Southern High School and had recently taken over as Director of Athletics at Union High School in Modoc. Monte was always very active with Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
   Monte was the broker/owner of Cowen Realty Group since 2008. Prior to that, he was a realtor for Century 21 and Lingle Real Estate.
   Even in death, Monte’s selfless dedication to others continued as an organ and tissue donor.
   Monte will be missed by his mother, Rose Marie Cowen-Hartlage; brother, Rob Cowen; niece, Chloe Cowen; nephews, Austin Cowen and Brandon Cowen; step-grandparents, Charles and Virginia Houser; and countless scores of friends.
   Monte was preceded in death by his father, Sidney Cowen; step-father, Dale Thomas Hartlage; maternal grandparents, Robert Longfellow and Hazel Longfellow Houser; and paternal grandparents, Les and Rachel Cowen.
   Pastor Brian Richmond and Pastor Paul Strouse will lead the celebration of Monte’s life at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 2, in the Randolph Southern High School Gymnasium. Interment will follow in Spartanburg Cemetery.
   Family & friends may gather for visitation from 3-8 p.m. on Friday, December 1, at the Spartanburg Christian Church, 6714 East 700 South in Spartanburg, and 9:30-11:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 2, at the Randolph Southern High School Gymnasium.
   Please help celebrate Monte’s dedication to youth by wearing your school’s colors.
   Memorial contributions may be given to the Spartanburg Christian Church, Secret Families of Randolph County or the Community Foundation of Randolph County. Cards will be available at the church.