Zachariah Alan McCowen

Zachariah Alan McCowen, 27, passed away on November 21, 2025. Born (Zachariah Shaw Brown) on September 25, 1998, in Sullivan, Indiana, Zach brought a bright, singular spirit to every room he entered. Funny, charismatic, and profoundly family oriented, he had a gift for making people feel seen, welcomed, and at home. Those who knew him will remember not only his ready laugh and playful wit, but also the way he turned everyday moments into cherished memories. His presence left a mark that will not fade—Zach will be remembered by everyone he met.

Zach’s passions were as big as his heart. A firm believer in Christ, he was recently baptized and found deep joy and comfort in attending church. He loved animals and the peace of the beach, and he delighted in traveling, meeting new people, and discovering the best in food wherever he went. In kitchens and around tables, he was in his element—often announcing, “Dinner is served!” with a proud photo of his latest culinary creation. Zach loved photography and could always be seen at a family function with his camera ready. He enjoyed photographing sunsets and wildlife. His humor was the thread that stitched his passions together, lightening every gathering and lifting the spirits of those he loved. Zach’s lifelong companion and best friend, his beloved pet Sophie, preceded him in death; the bond they shared reflected his gentleness, loyalty, and generous care.

Zach is survived by his parents, Scott A. McCowen and Regina L. Lee-McCowen; his grandparents, Geneva Parks and Robert (“Papaw”) Carter; and his siblings, K’Nesha S. McCowen, Ka’Vonna B. McCowen and her partner, Kevin Reices, and Ka’Deisha L. McCowen and her wife, Dr. Nayla Long. He was the loving uncle of his nephew and nieces, Bentley Pina, Brylee Pina, and Amira Reices, and is also mourned by a host of aunts, uncles, and cousins. He is preceded in death by his grandmother, Connie Carter and his grandfathers, Richard McCowen and John William Lee, Sr. Zach was uniquely treasured as the family’s only adopted sibling—chosen with love from the very beginning—and he embraced that bond with pride and gratitude. Zach treasured his biological family and built a relationship with them in adulthood. He is survived by his biological mother, Christina Gibbens; His sister, Samantha Allard; and his brothers, Nathaniel Chilton, Exavier Chilton. A Celebration of Life will be held on December 12, 2025 at 12:00 pm, at West Side Christian Church in West Terre Haute, Indiana. A repast will be held immediately after.

The family appreciates prayers at this time. Their sudden loss is shattering, yet they find peace in knowing that Zach, a steadfast lover of Christ, is with his Lord and Savior in the Kingdom. From the moment they first saw him, it was love at first sight—he was instantly and forever family. Zach was special, and he will be deeply missed. May we honor his memory by embracing one another with the warmth, faith, and laughter he shared so freely, carrying forward his light in the way we live and love.

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