Archie Donald Cowan

Albany- Archie "Don" Cowan passed away on June 19, 2015 surrounded by his loving family at his home in Albany after a brief battle with cancer. He was born to the late Alberta Newsome and Rev. Players Cowan on January 6, 1932. Donald was born and reared in Atlantic City, New Jersey. He was educated through the Pleasantville and Atlantic City School System.
Donald enlisted and served in the United States Army. After receiving an honorable discharge, he selected to earn a Barber Degree and License from the Atlantic City Barber College. From there he relocated to Albany, NY. Here he met and married Levatries Carter.
He began working as the second barber at Horace's Barber Shop on Pearl Street. Later he became the proprietor and barber at Don's Barber Shop on Albany Street in Schenectady, New York for 20 years, until he retired.
As a child, Donald developed a love for toy electric trains; this carried to adulthood and became a hobby passion. Since then he has always maintained an elaborate train system lay-out in a special room of his home. He also acquired a love for the game of golf, after caddying for movie stars and executive people. As an adult he became a skilled player in the game of golf.
Donald leaves to cherish his memory a loving and devoted wife, Levatries Carter Cowan; several children: Donald Cowan, Jr., Carlos Cowan, Donine Cowan, Helen King, Linda Holmes, Luretha Everett (God Daughter), and Elmo Stallworth (God Son); his sister Alberta C. Wakefield; grandchildren: Colin Cowan-Dewitt, Chavier M. Cowan, Cherelle Leggett, Adimina Cowan, Synnia Cowan, Kevin Thompson, Kashiff Thompson, Olivia Stallworth and Elijah Stallworth, Carlin Pittman, Corie Pringle, Kelly King, Kristen King, Valeene King, Tiffany Holmes, Brittany Holmes, Ronnie Cowan, Jr.; nieces: Lynnaire Williams, Glynnis Marshall (Gregory), Pershette Wakefield, and Pia McCoy; nephew Willard Jr.; and first cousin Robert Walker of Springfield, MA. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his children: Ronald Cowan, and Lorraine Cowan; and brothers Players Cowan, Jr. Don will be dearly missed by all his family and friends.
A funeral service will be held at 11 am on Friday, June 26 at New Comer Funeral Home, 343 New Karner Road, Colonie. A calling hour will precede the service from 10 am to 11 am. Burial will be held at 10 am on Monday, June 29 at The Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery in Schuylerville.