Robert Bruce “Bob” Cowan, 51, of Niles passed away on Thursday, Dec. 10 at Memorial Hospital following injuries sustained in a fall from the roof, while working at his Dairy Queen near the state line in Niles.

Bob was born on May 14, 1958 in Lansing, Mich. to Bruce and Pauline (Yeager) Cowan.
On Nov. 10, 1978 Bob married Pam Bumbalough, the love of his life, at a ceremony in Williamston, Mich.
Bob graduated from Williamston High School class of 1977 and went on to receive a degree in business and law enforcement from Lansing Community College. In 1984 Bob and Pam welcomed the birth of their only child, Ken, and a week later moved to Niles.

The couple purchased Stateline Dairy Queen, where the family has worked together for more than 25 years. Bob took a personal interest in the lives of his employees and customers. Bob was a true testament to being a servant. A member of Peace Evangelical Lutheran Church for more than 25 years, Bob held various positions including president of the congregation, elder, chairman of the board of education, Sunday School superintendent, Bible Study leader and faithful member. He was a member of the Four Flags Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and a Chamber Ambassador.

He enjoyed spending time with his family and in the outdoors. He and Pam were active for several years in the Monday Night Running Club. Bob also enjoyed hunting, camping and traveling to national parks across the nation. Above all of these, Bob’s faith and his relationship with Jesus Christ his Savior was his foundation. This foundation allowed Bob to be a loving and devoted husband and father.

Robert is survived by his wife, Pamela Cowan, of Niles; a son, Kenneth Cowan, of Ft. Wayne, Ind.; his parents, Bruce and Pauline Cowan, of Williamston, Mich.; and a brother, Brian (Teresa) Cowan, of Barberton, Ohio.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Thomas Cowan.

A time of visitation will be held Monday, Dec. 14, 2009 from 5:30 until 8 p.m. at Brown Funeral Home 521 E. Main St. in Niles. A Christian funeral and committal will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 15 at 11 a.m. at Peace Evangelical Lutheran Church 16791 Cleveland Rd. in Granger, Ind. A private interment will be held in Union Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made in Bob’s memory to Peace Evangelical Lutheran Church 16971 Cleveland Rd., Granger, IN 46530.

Condolences, photos and memories may be shared with the family at www.brownfuneralhomeniles.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Niles.