William Norman Cownover

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William Norman Cownover departed this mortal coil at his home the evening of February 18th, 2024, due to an age related illness while being cared for by his loving children.  William was the second of two children, born in Milano, Texas on September 1st, 1935, to Ernest Malcom and Lucy Belle Cownover.  The family moved to Belton, Texas when William was three years old, then settled outside of Salado, Texas when he was 12.  William graduated as senior class president from Salado High School in 1952.  After high school he joined the Air Force, served in Korea, then attended Weber State University while stationed at Hill Air Force Base in Ogden, Utah.  It was in Ogen that he met his future wife, Idella, with whom he raised five children.

William and Idella returned to central Texas in the early 1960s, living in Temple for several years before building a home on the property where he spent his formative years.  He worked as a civilian at Fort Hood (now Fort Cavazos) until his retirement in the late 1980s.  His post-government years were spent in the telecommunications industry where he was able to travel much of his beloved home state.

Although they divorced, he remained close friends with Idella until her passing in 2004.  William was a loyal father and trusted friend.  When the storms of life raged, William was a bedrock foundation for those in need.  After his retirement from the telecommunications industry, the final two decades of life were spent on the property his family had owned since the 1940s.  He was an avid gardener and lover of the outdoors.  He was also a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

William is survived by his five children:  William (Nadine Cownover of Casper, Wyoming; Jeffrey Cownover of Belton, Texas; Candice Meyer of Salado, Texas; Angela Williams of Salado Texas, and John (Staci) Cownover of Arlington, Tennessee.  He also leaves 10 grandchildren: Morgan (Jason) Fayerweather, Kristin (Ryan) Salyers, Ashley Williams, Heath (Lizzie) Williams, Koby (Mariah) Williams, Kinsey (Preston) Parker, Carter Cownover, Ella Cownover, Cooper Cownover and Emory Cownover, and 14 great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his sister Ernestine, his ex-wife Idella, and his favorite dog, Chief.

William’s family would like to thank the many people who tended to his needs in the final months of his life.  This includes his lifelong friend E.R. King, who William had known since attending Armstrong School during their elementary years.  Additional thanks to Jean & Jim Spakes, Lance & Caasi Spakes, Sabrina Spakes, Harris & Linda Roberts, and Billy Guynes.  Finally, a heartfelt thanks for the compassionate care of Logan, Brittany, and Tamara from the Baylor, Scott & White hospice team.

A viewing and celebration of William’s life will be held Thursday, February 22nd, 2024, from 5:00-7:00pm at Dossman Funeral Home in Belton.  Services will be held at 2:00pm Saturday, February 24th, 2024, at Dossman Funeral Home.  William will be laid to rest in North Belton Cemetery.