Dr. Billy Frank Cowart

Dr. Billy Frank Cowart

August 5,1932 – December 25, 2021

Dr. Billy Frank Cowart, 89, of Belton, Texas passed away at Baylor, Scott and White Hospital in Temple, Texas on December 25, 2021 following a brief illness.  Billy was born in San Benito, Texas on August 5, 1932 to Tom and Gladys Cowart.

Dr. Cowart was preceded in death by his beloved wife Janet.  They enjoyed 65 wonderful years together.  He is also preceded by sisters Merle and Beth, brothers Ray and T.W., and his parents Tom and Gladys Cowart.

He graduated from San Benito High School and received his undergraduate degree in Agricultural Education at Texas A & I University in Kingsville, Texas where he was the President of the Student Body in 1954.  He entered the U.S. Army and served in Nuremburg, Germany for two years.  While stationed there, his son Rick was born.  Returning home, he worked for the family cattle business for three years, while attending Stephen F. Austin University earning his M.S. degree, followed by his Doctor of Philosophy degree from the University of Texas.

Dr. Cowart began his university level career at Texas A. & I in Kingsville as Assistant Professor in the field of Secondary Education.  In 1969 he established Texas A & M International University (TAMIU) in Laredo where a building is named in his honor. He later became the first President of TAMIU and served a total of 15 years.  While there, he was recognized as Man of the Year by the Laredo Times.    He later accepted a position as Provost of Western Oregon State College, and served as Interim President for one year prior to retiring in 1995.

Billy had a passion for music; he loved singing and playing the guitar.  At large reunions, the entire family would join in, singing folk songs and church hymns.  Those special times are cherished by his family.  He was an avid golfer and enjoyed many years on the course in his retirement.

Billy was a kind and compassionate man who cared, not only for his beloved wife and son, but also for his colleagues and the many students he taught and mentored throughout his career.  His commitment to education was demonstrated throughout his life.

He was a soft-spoken man with very strong principles.  He was loved deeply by his family, friends, and colleagues.

Billy Frank leaves behind his son Rick Cowart and wife, Nickie of The Dalles, OR, three sisters, Wanda Junek  (Al) of Hendersonville, NC, Nena Mayo of Spring, TX, and Donna Beth Thompson (Jim) of Kaufman, TX; four grandchildren, Caitlan , Kelsie , and Thomas Cowart, and Kim Thomason (Matt) of  Orange, CA; three great grandchildren, Austin, Addie and Ashton Thomason, and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews and extended family members.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the educational scholarship fund at Texas A & M International University, Laredo, Texas.

A celebration of Billy’s life will be held at the Hilton Garden Inn in Temple, Texas on January 29, 2022 at 4 PM.