John "Big John" E. Cowgill

John E. Cowgill, 73, known to most as “Big John” passed away unexpectedly in a boating accident but was able to save the life of his fellow fisherman and friend, Paul Hutchinson. John was born on June 6, 1947 in Canton, Ohio to the late Ethel (Ruel Clyde) Fox, Sr. He was a dedicated and active member of the Apostolic Lighthouse Tabernacle for over 50 years, where he was recognized as a Pillar of the church, as well as a trustee, a former Sunday school teacher and superintendent for Sunday school. He was also head of the bus ministries for a short time too. In addition to the church, John was a member of the Lost Arrow Archery from 1982-2020. He worked as a bricklayer for Union Local #7 which he began doing when he was just 19 years old. Later in his life, he owned Countryside Sporting Goods in Brewster. If you knew Big John, you knew his greatest passion was the outdoors. He an avid fisherman and hunter and enjoyed spending time at his cabins. He will be deeply missed by his wife of 55 years, Frances Cowgill of Massillon; his son John “Mike” (Nicole) Cowgill and his daughter Yvonne (Timothy) Blankenship; 2 brothers Rick Cowgill and Clyde Fox; 15 grandchildren who were the light of his life, Lil John, Jason, JoAnna, Jesse, Audrina, Avery, Nathaniel, Sarah, Benjamin, Jeremiah, Christopher, Lindsay, Cody, Brianna, and Big Max; he also had 9 great-grandchildren whom he adored. In addition to his parents, Big John was preceded in death by 5 brothers. The family will receive friends on Monday, April 19th from 4:30pm-6:30pm at Apostolic Lighthouse Tabernacle, 3120 Lincoln Way E, Massillon, OH 44646. Funeral services will follow at 6:30 p.m. A private interment will be held on Tuesday at Sunset Hills Burial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Apostolic Lighthouse Tabernacle.