William Thomas Cowart

William Thomas (Bill) Cowart died of exhaustion on September 5th, 2026 at the age of 90. Bill spent the last 39 years enjoying life alongside his wife Martha. While they did not marry until their 50’s, they certainly made up for lost time.  Bill and Martha enjoyed their golden years traveling between Lajitas, Ruidoso, NM. and Midland. They chased many golf balls and worked to make friends at every hole on the course: with a special focus on the 19th hole. He enjoyed a lot of life over the last 90 years.

Bill spent the early part of his life living and working in Pecos, Texas.  It was there that he raised his family, volunteered with the local fire department for more than 25 years, was a 4-H adult leader, supported the local FFA and served at the First Presbyterian Church all while managing Valley Grain and Supply, Pecos Ice Company and assisting with the sales of the famous Pecos Cantaloupe. Working, volunteering, playing golf and most importantly making memories with his grandkids were among the many joys of his life.

After moving to Midland in the late 80’s, he became a pillar of the community when he and his son purchased Village Car Wash where he never met a stranger, but if he did, that was quickly reconciled. Bill and his son owned and operated Village Car Wash for 36 years,

One of his favorite pastimes was to meet new people and try to determine what friends they had in common.  He was Facebook before there was social media. It was always evident that people and relationships were important in his life and something he tried to impress upon his kids and grandkids.

William Thomas (Bill) Cowart was born on January 4^th, 1936 in San Angelo, Texas. He was the much younger brother of 3 sisters. All of whom belonged to Effie and Roy Cowart.

Bill had a gift for management, anyone who ever worked under him was familiar with finger pointing and barking orders as his distinct style. He often laughed and said, “You have to be a little lazy to be a good manager”. He was thankful for the loyal friends and staff that supported him throughout his life. He was especially thankful for the loving caregivers Belinda Brito and Rosario Barreto that helped to make his last days more enjoyable.

He grew up in San Angelo, attended San Angelo Jr. College and went on to graduate from Texas Tech University in 1957 with a degree in animal husbandry.

He is preceded in death by his first wife, and the mother of his two kids, Berta Burton Cowart, his parents, and siblings. He is survived by his doting wife Martha and his son Blake Cowart, of Midland, daughter Page Mitchell of Sanderson, a supportive bonus son, Lewis Fincher of San Antonio, grandchildren, Mason Blackmon, Taryn Darling, Reagan Sims, Tyler Schroder, Jordon Napoli and stepson Layton Fincher.

Arrangements will be at a later date. Memorials may be directed to West of the Pecos Museum, P.O. Box 1784 Pecos, TX 79772.

Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences may be made at www.npwelch.com.

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