John Edward Coward

John Edward Coward, 66, of Freeport, passed away Tuesday, April 12, 2022, at Quality Life Services, in Sarver. He was born May 4, 1955, to the late John and Anna (Bailey) Coward. John, aka "Big John," "Pumpkinhead," "John Boy," "PeteyDink," and some other colorful names we cannot print in the newspaper, was the epitome of the Charlie Daniels song "Long Haired Country Boy." Throughout his life he enjoyed grouse hunting, motorcycles, working with his hands, his friends and loved ones and the afore mentioned life of a long-haired country boy. Witty does not even begin to describe John, who was always good for a one liner or a sarcastic remark. He was a dedicated friend and was always willing to lend a hand. John was a 1973 graduate of Freeport Area High School. He enlisted in the Navy and served his country from 1975-1979 aboard the destroyer, USS Harry E Yarniel. John received his honorable discharged and came home to Freeport. He then worked for the next 34 years at PPG Industries in Creighton. Although, if you ask his coworkers, the term "working" may be exaggerated. He was a longtime member of the Eagles in Freeport. He will be sorely missed by all, especially by his two daughters, who spent the majority of the past six years caring for him due to his declining health. John is survived by his loving daughters, Breanna (Scott) Thompson and Carly (Ryan) MacSween; his grandchildren, RoseMary Ann Thompson and Jameson Brooks Thompson; two brothers, Jerry "Squeek" (Linda) Coward and David "Diesel" (Deb) Coward; two sisters, Pamela (Ralph) Eberle and Joyce Shoop; and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his mother and father, he was preceded in death by his younger brother, Jeff "Cookie" Coward, and brother-in-law, Greg Shoop. Family and friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, April 18, 2022, in the REDMOND FUNERAL HOME INC., 524 High St., Freeport. If you would like to honor the memory of John, the family asks for you to take a shot of his favorite whiskey, Jameson, and remember all the good times you had with him. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Wounded Warrior Project P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675-8516. 

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