Curtis Lyle Cowell

Curtis Lyle Cowell, 87, of Topeka, KS, passed away on June 18, 2026.

He was born on August 22, 1938 in Bluefield, WV, the son of Theodosia Edna (Surratt) Cowell and Joseph Lyle Cowell.

Curtis was raised in Vivian, WV, a coal camp, where his father was the scrip clerk. He attended Welch High School and was president of the Hi-Y Club as well as a member of the National Honor Society and the Arts Club. After graduating from high school in 1956, Curtis went on to attend Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in Blacksburg, VA where he studied Business Administration and was president of the jazz club. He graduated from Virginia Tech in 1960. After graduation, he served as a volunteer under Bishop Gordon of the Episcopal Diocese of Alaska. He spent approximately 9 months assisting the church in rural areas of the diocese. He visited Native Alaskans in their homes, developing the gift of pastoral care which he exercised throughout his ministerial career. Following his time in Alaska, Curtis joined the U.S. Navy as a communications technician until 1965.

In 1966 he married Elinor Kathryne Schadt, whom he met while in the Navy. They were married in Denver, CO. Shortly after, he started his studies at Virginia Theological Seminary in Alexandria, VA and graduated with his Master of Divinity in 1969. Together Curtis and Elinor had three daughters: Amy Kathryne, Marla Grace and Hannah Elizabeth. While they divorced in 1999, Curtis and Elinor remained good friends, and she was with him when he passed.

After graduating from seminary as an Episcopal minister, Curtis became a deacon at Cross Lanes Episcopal Church in Charleston, WV. He was ordained as a priest on June 11, 1970. In 1976, he was named vicar at St. Barnabas Episcopal Church in Bridgeport, WV. Starting in 1978, Curtis assumed ministerial duties at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Welch, and later added three more parishes to his duties: St. Mark’s in War, Grace Episcopal in Northfork, and St. Paul Episcopal Church in Avondale.

In 1981, Curtis was president of the Welch Ministerial Association as well as a member of the advisory board of the Salvation Army. He also served as president of the board of directors of Southern Highlands Mental Health Clinic.

In October 1983, Curtis had his first service at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Oak Hill, WV, where he served for several years before becoming an assistant priest at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church in Wheeling, WV in 1989.

In July 1995, Curtis accepted a position as the Canon at Grace Episcopal Cathedral in Topeka, Kansas. After retiring from the Cathedral January 1, 2001, he continued ministering part time to the congregation at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Wamego until 2008. He also served as a part-time chaplain for Homestead Assisted Living & Memory in Topeka until December, 2020.

Curtis was passionate about jazz and big band music and was an active member of the Topeka Jazz Workshop for many years. He also loved cheering on the University of Kansas basketball team, the Kansas City Chiefs and the Kansas City Royals. In his younger years, Curtis traveled to England and Israel. An avid reader, he frequently carried a book with him wherever he went.

Curtis will most be remembered by his family and friends for his irreverent sense of humor, his big laugh, and his unending generosity to others.

Curtis is survived by his three daughters Amy (Chris) Cowell, Marla (John) Reichard, and Hannah Cowell Schadt; grandsons Levi and Wyatt Reichard; granddaughters Josephine and Danielle Hoye.

Memorial Services will be determined at a later date.

Curtis was a generous supporter of many different charities. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to The Episcopal Relief Fund, Midland Care Connection (Meals on Wheels), TARC, or to the charitable organization of your choice.