Michael Kevin Cowell

Michael Kevin Cowell, age 69, of Jonesborough, Tennessee (formerly of Sylvania, Ohio), passed away peacefully at his home on October 16, 2025, surrounded by his family.

Mike was born on April 17, 1956, to Enos and Ruth (Markwood) Cowell in Sylvania, Ohio. He graduated from Sylvania High School in 1971. In 1979, Mike married Kimberly (Rollman) Cowell, and together they shared 47 wonderful years.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Donald Cowell; and sister, Rebecca (Cowell) Russell. He is survived by his wife; children, Travis Cowell, Aaron (Jill) Cowell, and Shelby (Caleb) Stockstill; grandchildren Gavin, Noah, and Eleanor Stockstill, and Raelynn, Vivienne, and Alexandra Cowell; brother Enos “Sonny” (Kathi) Cowell; along with many nieces, nephews, and close friends.

Mike worked in multiple settings throughout his adult life as a self-educated engineer. His ingenuity and natural abilities led him to professional opportunities in several locations, including South Korea and Bloomingdale, Illinois. Mike was known for his innovation and his dedication to finding solutions to seemingly unsolvable problems - qualities that made him an outstanding engineer and an altogether enjoyable human. He retired in 2021 and moved back to Jonesborough, Tennessee, to enjoy a quiet retirement with his family.

In his family life, Mike loved being an active part of his children’s and grandchildren’s lives, cheering them on in everything from science and art projects to sports and hobbies. All of Mike’s family members benefited from his natural gifts as an engineer. He spent countless hours helping each of his three adult children with their home improvement and renovation projects. His final major design project was brought to life recently with the help of his oldest son, Travis. Together, they constructed a beautiful new sunroom and deck in the family home in Jonesborough.

Mike knew a little bit about everything. The outlandish facts he shared in casual conversations almost always held up to a Google search, which was sometimes infuriating! He will be remembered for his humor, his love for his family—especially his grandchildren—and his unwavering support of the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Dallas Cowboys.

Family and friends will celebrate Mike’s life privately. In lieu of flowers, his family requests that memorial contributions be made to The Gentiva Foundation in honor of the incredible care provided to Mike at the end of his life by the team at Gentiva Hospice in Johnson City, Tennessee.

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