HARRELLSVILLE – Robert Lansing “Lanny” Cowan, Jr., 72, Master Sergeant, USAF Ret., of 104 Sunset Street, Harrellsville, NC, passed away on Monday, April 4, 2016 in Vidant Medical Center, Greenville.

Mr. Cowan was born in Bertie County on December 30, 1943, and was the son of the late Robert L. Cowan, Sr. and the late Mavis Joyner Cowan. He retired in September of 1986 after 23 years of service with the United States Air Force, and then began a second career with Eddie Harrell’s Auto & Sports in Ahoskie.

A lifetime member of the Air Force Sergeants Association, he also enjoyed membership in the American Legion, Disabled Veterans Association, Windsor Lions Club, Roanoke-Chowan Wildlife Club, Ed Andrews Wild Turkey Federation, Hertford and Bertie County Ducks Unlimited, and was a co-founder of the Roanoke Fly Rod Club, and a NC Wildlife Club Hunter Education Instructor. In 2009, Mr. Cowan received the Governor’s Conservation Achievement Award for 16 years of volunteer service as a Hunter Education Instructor.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his twin sister, Linda Cowan Warfford of Siler City.

Surviving are his wife of 33 years, Nancy Selby Cowan; his daughter, Kimberly Terrell Dietz and husband Chris of Louisville, KY; two sisters, Susan Cowand-Gray and Beth Cowan Myers, both of Asheville; two grandchildren, Victoria and Gordon Smith; numerous nieces, grandnieces, and a grandnephew.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, April 16 at 3:00 p.m. at St. Thomas Episcopal Church, 424 W. Church Street, Ahoskie, and will be officiated by his pastor, The Rev. Jeff Douglas.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the National Glaucoma Research Foundation, 251 Post Street, Suite 600, San Francisco, CA 94108 (www.glaucoma.org).