Russell "R.B." Cowhick

Russell “R.B.” Benton Cowhick passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, January 11, 2023. R.B. was born July 13, 1927, at Severance, Kansas, the son Russell and Dottie Turley Cowhick. He married Avis Tenpenny of Oskaloosa, Kansas, on April 24, 1954, at St. Joseph, Missouri, enjoying 68 years together. He graduated from Ozawkie High School in 1945, enlisted in the Merchant Marines, and later served in the US Air Force. Upon honorable discharge, R.B. was employed by Goodyear Tire and Rubber for 38 years. Following his retirement in 1988, he worked as Sergeant of Arms for the Kansas State Legislature for 13 years. R.B. was an avid gardener and enjoyed playing in three different card clubs. He was a member of the VFW, American Legion, Moose Club and Our Savior’s Lutheran Church. He loved sports and enjoyed watching the KC Royals, KC Chiefs, and KU Basketball. He took great pride in attending his grandchildren’s sporting events. He was preceded in death by his parents and sisters, Nova McCarter and Ina Jane Worthington McCollum. R.B. is survived by his wife Avis, of the home; daughter, Susan (Dick) Decker, Oskaloosa, KS; and son, Kent (Missy) Cowhick, Topeka, KS. He was blessed with five grandchildren, Jenica (Rich) Jones, Olathe, KS, Jayma (Henry) Alcala, Galva, KS, Jared (Jill) Decker, Oskaloosa, KS, Chris (Hollie) Cowhick, Las Vegas, NV, and Erica (Wes) Book, Spring Hill, KS. He enjoyed his thirteen great-grandchildren: Coby and Peyton Jones, Braison and Adilynn Alcala, Braden and Tinley Bagby, Delaney Decker, Jake and Emma Thorne, Kinsley and Avery Cowhick, Carsyn and Kyndall Book.. Funeral services will be held Monday, January 16, 2023, at 10:00 a.m., at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, 2021 SW 29th, Topeka, KS, followed by graveside services at Memorial Park Cemetery, 3616 SW 6th Ave. Visitation will be held Sunday, January 15, from 6:00 until 7:30 p.m. at the church. R.B.’s family expresses deepest gratitude to the St. Croix Hospice team (Tara, Joanna, Charlene, Rhonda, Rose, Alaura, Rebecca, Latasha, Pastor David, McKenna, Camille, Heather, and Theresa) who lovingly took care of R.B. during his final days. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to Our Savior’s Lutheran Church or St. Croix Hospice, sent in care of Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Rd, Topeka, KS 66614. Condolences may be sent online to www.kevinbrennanfamily.com.

Russell "R.B." Cowhick

July 13, 1927 - January 11, 2023