Lester Karmon Cowell

Lester was 90 years old and passed away on July 24th, 2026

Lester was born in Camden, TN on November 12th, 1935 to Mildred Pafford Cowell and James Lester Cowell. His goals in life were to serve his Lord, his family, his country, and his beloved community of McMinnville by doing his best every day and helping and inspiring all people he encountered in his daily life.

In his earlier life, Lester played football for Camden Central High School and received a football scholarship to play for University of Tennessee at Martin. It was at UT Martin that he met the woman that would be his wife of 69 years, Elsie Sue Brundige Cowell (Suzy), who survives him and is a resident of McMinnville. In the U. S. Army military, he served during the Cold War in South Dakota at the Minuteman missile battalion and achieved the rank of Spec 5. After leaving the Army, he worked for various financial firms in different cities, eventually taking up residence in McMinnville, TN over 60 years ago and working until retirement at First National Bank as a Vice President of Installment Loans.

Lester faithfully attended and served in various capacities at Christ Chapel Church for over 50 years. He served on the board of directors of Cheer Mental Health, the local Food Bank, and the Meals on Wheels organization. He was recognized with a Book of Golden Deeds award by the Exchange Club, and the Bell Ringer Award by Cheer Mental Health Association. He also served as Alderman on the City Council in McMinnville for 16 years and served as vice mayor for 9 years. He was a very active member of the local Exchange Club, where he had perfect attendance for 53 years. He was also an active supporter of the Habitat for Humanity and served the local police department in the Public Safety Unit for 14 years. Lester was also very active in local sports programs, serving as coach and a participant of numerous youth and adult sports programs. As a senior, he participated for over 30 years in the Senior Olympics in various sports – primarily tennis, winning at both the local and national level, where he received dozens of medals, ranging from bronze and silver to gold.

In addition to being survived by his loving wife Suzy, he also has four children: Jace (Sheila) Cowell of Crossville, TN, Jed (Mary) Cowell of Columbus, IN, Jana (Ross) Sparboe and Jileen (Lindsay) McGregor, both of Mcminnville. Also surviving are eight grandchildren: Kelly Cowell, Kasi (Jimmy) Stofflet, Salem (Lyla) McGregor, Dakota McGregor. Brian (Mary) Cowell, James Cowell, Hannah (Jacob) Hudson, Keeper Hendrix, step grandson- Cody Roof . Twelve great grandchildren also survive: Emmee Stofflet, Witten Stofflet, Knox Stofflet, Hayes Stofflet, Emmitt Stofflet, Andrew Cowell, Derek Cowell, Esther Cowell, Samuel Cowell, Kyler Hudson, Hadie Hudson, and Jaxon Green.

The family will receive friends for visitation and viewing from 2:00 to 5:00 PM on Saturday, August 1st at High Funeral Home, with memorial service to follow at 5pm with Jim Clardy officiating.

An inurnment with full military honors will follow at a later date at Riverside Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Warren County Food Bank or Meals on Wheels. 

Online condolences may be made at www.highfuneralhome.com.

High Funeral Home and High’s Cremations, Inc. are in charge of arrangements.