Ralph "Edward" Cowman, III, 76, of New Berlin, IL, died Monday, Nov. 15, 2021, at Jacksonville Memorial Hospital. He was born Feb. 25, 1945, in Rapidge Parish, Alexandria, LA, the son of Ralph E. and Patricia Gates Strawn Cowman. He married Suzanne Sapp on Sept. 4, 1965, in Sherman, and they were married 56 years. He grew up in Timewell, IL and moved to the Alexander/New Berlin area where he raised his family. He is survived by his wife, Suzanne and their three children, Pamela (Tim) Birdsell of Jacksonville, Ron Cowman of New Berlin and Aron (Penny) Cowman of New Berlin; six grandchildren, Alyssa (Adam) Cully, Kayla (Eric) Jokisch, Lindsey Birdsell, Riley Cowman, Kirby Cowman and Jake Cowman; one step grandson, Dylan Buchanan; three great grandchildren, Cam Edward and Tess Lynn Cully and Wirth Allen Jokisch, and one on the way; three sisters, Ann Whewell (Tom, deceased) of New Berlin, Pam (Ron) Walpole of Jacksonville, and Dinah (Fred) Bindner of Mt. Pleasant, IA; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and one nephew, Cody Morris. Mr. Cowman was a graduate of New Berlin High School. He was a lifelong farmer and had raised Black Angus Cattle in his early days. He had been an Auctioneer for 50 years, and was a member of the Illinois Auctioneers Association, as well as President of Cowman Auction LLC. He was past President of the Illinois American Agriculture Movement, Founding Father of the Ashland Community Days Tractor Pull for 30 years, and was a former chairman of the Morgan County Fair Tractor Pull for over 40 years. Edward served as a director on the Pleasant Plains Elevator Board, and as director on the Sangamon County Fair Board. He also served on the Farm Credit Advisory Board and on the board of Woodwreath Cemetery. He was a long-time member of the Illinois Tractor Pullers Association and a former Tractor Puller. He was also a Free Mason. He was a lifetime member of the NRA and enjoyed clay shooting and becoming a Master Shooter. His true pride were his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. A visitation will be held from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm Saturday, Nov. 20, 2021, at the Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home in Jacksonville. A funeral service will follow at 12:00 pm at the funeral home. Burial will be held at Woodwreath Cemetery. A Celebration of Life will be held at the New Berlin KC Hall, 715 E. Illinois St., New Berlin, IL following the committal services. Memorials are suggested to Woodwreath Cemetery, P.O. Box 23, New Berlin, IL 62670 or the New Berlin Volunteer Fire Department, 101 S. Oak, P.O. Box 224, New Berlin, IL 62670. Condolences may be sent to buchanancody.com. Visitation Saturday, November 20, 2021 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home, Jacksonville Chapel 1100 Lincoln Ave. Jacksonville, Illinois 62650 Funeral Service Saturday, November 20, 2021 12:00 PM Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home, Jacksonville Chapel 1100 Lincoln Ave. Jacksonville, Illinois 62650