Charles H. McCowen, 79, of Cairo died Thursday, May 23, 2002, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau.

He was born Sept. 25, 1922, in Cairo, son of Charles and Lular Mae Bevill McCowen. He married Illeana McCowen, who died in 1994.

He was a member of Cairo Elks Lodge 651, Cairo VFW Post 2649, Illinois Sheriff's Association, and was a Kentucky Colonel.

He was a veteran of World War II.

Survivors include a daughter, Julie Prater of East Cape Girardeau, Ill.; and two grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers.

There is no visitation. Graveside service will be held t 2 p.m. Sunday at Beechwood Cemetery in Mounds, Ill. Dennie Levill will officiate. Military honors will be provided by Pulaski County VFW Post 8891 of Mounds.

Barkett Funeral Home in Cairo is in charge of arrangements.