Paul Edmond Cowsar's Obituary
Paul Edmond Cowsar, 57, of Proctorville, OH, passed away Sunday, July 5, 2026, at home. He was born on October 30, 1968, in Birmingham, Alabama, to Donald and Carol (Cermak) Cowsar. He was preceded in death by his father-in-law, Calvin Shepherd. Paul grew up in Birmingham, Alabama. He attended W. J. Christian School and St. Barnabus School and was a 1987 graduate of John Carroll Catholic High School. During his youth, he faithfully served as an altar boy at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in the Center Point/Huffman area and was an active member of the Birmingham Diocese Search Team. Paul’s passion for medicine began with his first job as an EMT with Hank’s Ambulance Service. His dedication and skill quickly became evident, leading him to teach EMT courses. He went on to attend the University of South Alabama, where he earned both a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a Master of Science in Nursing. He later completed a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from Ashland University. Throughout his distinguished career, Paul cared for patients in Albuquerque, New Mexico; Prestonsburg, Kentucky; Galax, Virginia; Huntington, West Virginia; and South Point, Ohio. He earned a reputation as a deeply compassionate and tireless advocate for his patients. He was a trusted mentor, an inspiration to his coworkers, and a healthcare provider who consistently placed others before himself. As many would say, he wasn’t just like the Good Samaritan, he was the Good Samaritan. At the time of his passing, Paul faithfully served with MAKO Laboratories and The Health Alliance as Chief Medical Officer. He was not only a respected provider and leader, but also a kind, genuine, and humble man whose compassion touched the lives of everyone he encountered. Along with his parents, he was survived by his beloved wife, Deitra Cowsar; his children, Zackary Cowsar (Sadie) and Taylor Hackworth; his brothers, Lawrence Cowsar (Vicky) and Chet Cowsar (Jennifer); his nieces, Anna Graves (Curtis) and Lauren Cowsar; his nephews, Jared Pendleton Cowsar, Patrick Cowsar, and Jonathan Holbrook; his great-niece, Tiana Graves; his mother-in-law, Dora Salyer; his sister-in-law, Tania Holbrook (Kevin); and additional family members, Mary Jarvis & Sam Sumpter and Craig, Heather, and Hadley Meade. A Celebration of Life will be held from 12 to 2 P.M. Saturday, July 11, 2026, at Hall Funeral Home and Crematory, Proctorville, OH. In lieu of flowers, friends may make memorial donations in Paul’s honor to a Nursing Scholarship. Condolences may be expressed to the family at https://www.ehallfuneralhome.com.
What’s your fondest memory of Paul?
What’s a lesson you learned from Paul?
Share a story where Paul's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Paul you’ll never forget.
How did Paul make you smile?