Memorial Bench honors Roy (Jr.) and Donna Cowen at Jefferson County Health Center

Fairfield — A memorial bench has been placed at the front of Jefferson County Health Center (JCHC) in honor of Roy “Jr.” Silas Dikerson Cowen and his wife, Donna Cowen. Family and close friends gathered for the placement, celebrating the couple’s remarkable lives and lasting legacy in Jefferson County.

Named after his father and grandfather, and great-grandfather, Jr., who turned 100 on July 21, 2025, now resides at The Oaks, where he marked his first anniversary of living there on Oct. 1, 2025. Donna resides at Parkview and will celebrate her 88th birthday on October 16.

A lifelong farmer, Jr. purchased his 160-acre farm for $23 an acre and worked it proudly until retiring at the age of 97½ — which he called his “early retirement,” as he had planned on working until he turned 100. He raised livestock his entire life, never raising corn but instead purchasing feed to support his herds. He was a familiar face at both the Fairfield and Keosauqua Sale Barns.

The Cowen family farm has received recognition throughout the community. Earlier this year, their barn was honored by the Historical Barn Society, and “The Cowen Farm” was featured at the Carnegie Museum during May 2025.

In keeping with Jr.’s Marine Corps motto, “Never give up,” a special memorial rock has been placed beneath the bench as a symbol of strength and perseverance.

The family extends their gratitude to Jordan Whitney and the team at Whitney Monuments for their outstanding craftsmanship and for placing both the bench and the rock, to Roxanne Morris for organizing the memorial and providing the rock beneath the bench, and to all friends and loved ones who attended the ceremony.

The bench now stands as a tribute to Roy (Jr.) and Donna Cowen — celebrating their resilience, love, and meaningful contributions to the Jefferson County community.