wfn.org | ABCUSA: Ronald E. Cowles, Former Executive Minister of the ABC of

["CHANDLER, David" <David.Chandler@abc-usa.org>]

the Dakotas, Dies

American Baptist News Service (Valley Forge, Pa. 3/10/05)--The Rev. Dr.
Ronald E. Cowles, former executive minister, died on March 8, 2005 after
a bout with cancer. He was 64.

Cowles served as executive minister of the American Baptist Churches of
the Dakotas from 1991 through 2000. Prior to his service there, Dr.
Cowles served the region as associate executive minister and as World
Mission Support staff.	He also was pastor of First Baptist Church in
Pella, Iowa, for 13 years and served four other pastorates in Kansas and
Iowa.  He held a B.A. degree from Ottawa University, an M.Div. degree
from Central Baptist Theological Seminary, and a D.Min. degree from the
American Bible School and Seminary.

American Baptist Churches USA General Secretary Roy Medley, found Ron to
be "... a leader with a great heart for the people of the Dakotas. His
sense of humor combined with his common sense approach to matters in the
church made him respected and loved by those he served. We rejoice in
the reward he has obtained through Christ."

Susan Gillies, Executive Minister of the ABC of Nebraska, remembers Ron
as "... a wonderful colleague in ministry.  He and Rowena demonstrated
Christian hospitality and good humor in introducing many ABC staff to
horse riding, fishing and hunting in the Dakotas.  He wasn't crazy about
meetings but he loved ministry.  He lived evangelism.  He encouraged
many of us to 'fight the good fight.'"

Another of Ron's friends, Lloyd Hamblin, recalls, "I met Ron when I
became Executive Minister in 1993.  He was one of those colleagues who
could be counted on to share the truth, even if it was uncomfortable to
hear.  He was a colleague who became a friend and that friendship
endured beyond his retirement.	Ron loved life, had a contagious joy and
blessed my life immensely."

Ron Cowles is survived by his wife, Rowena, and by his three children:
Richard Cowles, David Cowles and Becky Phillips and their families which
include Ron's four grandchildren. Cards and letters may be sent to
Rowena Cowles, 6501 Westview Rd., Sioux Falls, S.D., 57107.

A memorial service will be held in Florida today and at the First
Baptist Church in Sioux Falls, South Dakota on Tuesday, March 15.  Gifts
in memory of Ron Cowles may be given to the First Baptist Church of
Sioux Falls.

K/2005ABNS/05ABNS29

American Baptist News Service: Office of Communication, American Baptist
Churches USA, P.O. Box 851, Valley Forge, PA 19482-0851; (800)ABC-3USA
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