David Avery Cowan, age 94, passed away peacefully on February 18, 2026, in Naples, Florida. He was born on June 26, 1931, in Detroit, Michigan, to Glen Parker Cowan and Grace Avery Cowan.
Growing up, David spent time in Michigan, Florida, and Cleveland—places he would continue to call home throughout his life. He graduated from University School in Shaker Heights in 1949, where he served as class president.
David went on to attend Princeton University before marrying Lavonne Evans, with whom he shared 74 years of marriage. He graduated magna cum laude from Michigan State University as a member of the Phi Kappa Phi and Scabbard & Blade honorary societies. He later received his MBA from Harvard Business School in 1957.
He served in the United States Army Artillery from 1953 to 1955 as a Battery Executive Officer and was recognized as a Distinguished Military Graduate.
David’s professional career was defined by principled leadership, creative thinking, and an entrepreneurial spirit. After early roles at Carling Brewing and F. D. Cummer & Sons, he spent nearly three decades as President and CEO of Electro-General Plastics (EGP, formerly General Plastics Manufacturing). In 1990, he transitioned to Chairman of the Board of Plastic Safety Systems (PSS). A pioneer and respected voice in the industry, he also served as Chairman of the Thermoforming Institute and held board positions with Mechtron, Baker-McMillan, and the Society of the Plastics Industry. He believed deeply in the value of hard work and dedicated his professional life to roadway safety.
Outside of work, he led a vivid and varied social life. He was a longtime member of the Cleveland Skating Club, where he served as President, and was also active at The Country Club of Cleveland, where he served as an admissions secretary. In later years, he was a member of Royal Poinciana Golf Club and Grey Oaks Country Club in Naples, Florida.
A man of sharp intellect and even sharper wit, “Papop,” as he was known to his family, was an “A+” restaurant connoisseur, superb meatball maker, historian, and avid reader whose understanding of the world was remarkably broad and deep. He credited his knowledge to travel, which he frequently cited as “the best education.” He and his family explored widely, creating memories that spanned continents and generations. But of all the places he visited, none meant more to him than The Farm—a place rooted in tradition, family, and the feeling of home.
David once wrote, “I don’t think there’s anything you could do in life that’s more important than raising good people.” He is survived by his beloved wife, Lavonne Cowan (Evans); his children, Christine (Robert) Smith, Glen Cowan (Michael Mate), David (Karen) Cowan, and Elizabeth (Michael) Sweeney; his grandchildren, Lela (Alex) Gascoigne, Clark (Darcy) Gascoigne, Benjamin (Suzanne) Gascoigne, Andrew Cowan, Grace Cowan, Thomas (Cheyenne) Sweeney, Ryan (Bailey) Sweeney, and Daniel Sweeney; and his great-grandchildren, Claire, Julia, Max, and Elise. He is also survived by James and Cynthia Gascoigne, who remain cherished members of his extended family. He just might be our favorite husband, father, father-in-law, ex-father-in-law, grandfather, and great-grandfather.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Janet Cowan Bosse.
Burial will be private, and a memorial service will be held in Cleveland at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to University School or the National World War II Museum.
Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home.
