Theo Allan Cowdin, age 82, passed away peacefully at home February 2, 2026. Theo was known to most family and friends as Butch.

Butch was born in Waseca, Minnesota, to Theo Emory Cowdin and Ellna Louise Proechel Cowdin on October 17, 1943. Butch was raised in Janesville, Minnesota.

He was preceded in death by his parents, stepmother Theresa Cowdin, siblings Dean Cowdin, (Jan) Carol Glade (Fred), Ronal Cowdin, Cindy Lou Cowdin, and Dennis Cowdin, and an infant niece, Janelle Schroeder.

He is survived by his wife, Gail; daughter, Michelle Gilsrud; son, Matthew Theo Cowdin (Becca); siblings, Jody Schroeder (Steve) of Waseca, Minnesota, Ann Gerdts (Jay) of Janesville, Minnesota, and Dave Skrlin (Sally) of Albert Lea, Minnesota; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Butch attended the Janesville Lutheran Parochial School until eighth grade and then moved to Janesville High School where he graduated in 1961. In 1965, he married his high school classmate, Gail Peterson. He cherished 60 years with Gail.

Butch and Gail's lives centered on family.  They had two children: Michelle Gilsrud of Linwood, MN, and Matthew Cowdin (Becca) of Webb City, Missouri.  He loved his six grandchildren: Alex Boeser (Kelly) of Eagan, Minnesota, Adam Gilsrud (Haley Shiek) of Georgetown, Texas, Allison Gilsrud (Brandon Consalus) of Roanoke, Texas, Jaylee Weaver (Dalton) of Riverton, Kansas, Caylen Cowdin of Webb City, Missouri, and Wyatt Coate of Bernice, Oklahoma. He doted upon his three great-grandchildren, Emberlyn Boeser, Dayln, and Drew Weaver.

Butch enlisted in the National Guard in 1963, and after completing basic training, he enrolled in and completed Barber School in 1965. He worked as a barber for several years in shops in Minnesota. In 1970, he changed careers to become a sales representative for a Benjamin Moore Paint distributor in Minneapolis. In 2000, he returned to barbering and opened the St. Michael Barber Shop. He and Gail moved to Bella Vista, Arkansas, in 2003 where he began barbering at The Town Center Barber Shop. He always enjoyed visiting with his many customers and friends.

Butch played softball much of his life and briefly played with a traveling team in Bella Vista. He was also a serious bowler until retirement. His hobby as a coin collector grew into helping friends evaluate their collections. He loved playing cribbage and cards. His Monday card group were special friends.

Butch was best known for his thoughtfulness, caring, and sense of humor. He never met a person he didn't like. He loved sharing laughter and displayed the "Cowdin humor" with silly pranks and many Dad Jokes. Serving as a deacon for the Presbyterian Church of Bella Vista suited him well.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at the Presbyterian Church of Bella Vista, 1880 Forest Hills Blvd, Bella Vista, Arkansas, at 10:00 a.m. A private burial will take place at a later date.

Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society or to The Presbyterian Church of Bella Vista.