John LeRoy Cowan passed away peacefully on August 5, 2026, surrounded by his wife and children.
John was born May 8, 1942, in Brigham City, Utah, to parents Helen Atkinson and Glenn Fay Cowan. He spent his early years in West Mountain and Payson and enjoyed his summers on the family ranch in Wyoming.
He served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Central British Mission—where he learned to love the Gospel, the people, and—begrudgingly—the weather. He also served in the US Air Force. After completing a tour in Vietnam, he returned home and married the love of his life, Marilyn Hurst, on July 26, 1968, in the Salt Lake City temple. They made their first home at Sheppard Air Force Base in Wichita Falls, Texas. After a short time there, they returned home and planted roots in Payson, Utah where they successfully raised 12 kids in a one-bathroom home.
John enjoyed a long career in the Construction Department at Brigham Young University. He was awarded the George Q. Cannon award for his distinguished service at BYU and in the military. He served 30 years on the Payson Planning and Zoning Division. John’s dedication in this role resulted in his receiving the Morris Johnson Lifetime Achievement award.
John was a lifelong member of the LDS Church and served in many callings, including his favorite–gospel doctrine teacher. He also served alongside Marilyn for 17 years in the Provo and Payson temples.
John cherished every moment with his family, especially his grandkids—and they adored “Grandpa John” or “PJ.” He was a man of few words but chose them well.
He is survived by his wife Marilyn Hurst Cowan and their 12 children: Marianne Brown (Ferdie); Janalee Smith (David); Melissa Hoch (Robb); Jared Cowan (Mechelle); Lindy Gordon (Jaret); Jill Stewart (Justin); Shelly Martineau (Aaron); Jonathan Cowan (Amy); Marilee Judd (Nathan); Jennie Bateman (Preston); Michael Cowan (Ashley); and Joe Cowan (Rebecca). He is also survived by his brother, Robert Lewis Cowan, and sister, Mary Barbara Buxton. He and Marilyn have 55 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren.
John was preceded in death by his parents Glenn and Helen Cowan, and three beautiful great-granddaughters, Brenna, Finnley, and Daisy.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the Payson 1st Ward Chapel, 274 South Main Street, Payson, Utah. Family and friends may visit on Monday evening, August 10, from 6:00-8:30 p.m. at the church or on Tuesday morning from 9:30 -10:30 a.m. prior to the service. Interment, Payson City Cemetery.
The family would like to thank the staff at Bennion Veterans Home for the extended care he received. To St. Mark’s hospital, and especially nurse Sara, your kindness and compassion during dad’s final moments will always be remembered.
2 Condolences for John LeRoy Cowan
Condolences(2)
Craig Smedley says
August 10, 2026 at 1:08 amMellisa, so sorry to read that your father passed away. May Heavenly Father bless and comfort you and your family during this difficult time. Sending love and hugs to you and your family.
Paul Watt, John's cousin in Layton says
August 11, 2026 at 9:00 pmMarilyn and family, Mary and Robert. I wish to express my heartfelt condolences for the passing of John. Husband, father, grand and great-grandfather and dear brother. May our Heavenly Father bless you always in remembering the wonderful life you had with John. He was special in my life, also.