Ronald J. Cowel, 81, passed away at his residence in Arkansas City surrounded by family on Friday, April 10, 2020.

Born February 1, 1939 in Pleasanton, Kansas, he was the son of Ira "Raymond" and Mattie Isabelle (Snipes) Cowel. He was raised in Wichita and attended school in Valley Center. Following school, Ronald worked as a mechanic for a local coffee company before joining the Army National Guard. While in the National Guard, he worked as a Motor Pool Mechanic. After receiving an honorable discharge, Ronald began working construction with his brothers, primarily as a heavy equipment operator.

Ronald was united in marriage to Donna Looman on May 9, 1968 in Nebraska. Ronald continued his career in construction and demolition, a career that took him all over the Midwest, from Nebraska to Missouri, Oklahoma, and back to Kansas. In 1990, he retired from construction and began a new career in food concessions. He and his family worked major events all over the United States.

He was a member of the Masonic Lodge, American Legion, Shriner's, and the US Civil Aircraft Register as a pilot.

His family includes his wife Donna J. Cowel of Arkansas City; his children, Terry L. Bice of Raytown, MO; Tammy S. Champaigne of Wellington; Kimberly J. Myers of Agency, MO; Courtney J. Cowel of Pittsburg; Samantha L. Ross of Wichita; his sisters, Lavern Ray of Duncan, OK; Marilyn Megenity of Kansas City; and his 15 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, Ronald was preceded in death by two brothers, Raymond Cowel, Jr. and Jerald Cowel.

Graveside funeral services will be held on Wednesday, April 15, 2020 at 2:00 P.M. at Highland Cemetery in Winfield. The service will be available to be viewed live on Miles Funeral Service Facebook page. Due to public health concerns, only immediate family will attend the service.