Thomas R. Cowher

Cowher - Thomas Rand, “T.C.”, 78, passed away on March 23, 2026. He was born March 26, 1947, in Martinsburg, WVa. Son of the late Eleanor Cowher Hays and Kenneth Cowher; stepfather, John Hays. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife, Margaret (Patty) Shortt; sister, Barbara Kendig and brother, John Cowher.

Tom is survived by his loving daughter, Stacy (Chris) Rhodes, Windber; stepdaughters, Tracey (Joe) Eckenrod, Johnstown, Jolene (Paul) Dolan, N.C; granddaughter, Katelin Rhodes and her fiancé, Joe Hunter, Windber; step-grandsons, Evan and Ethan Slonac; sister, Deborah Waddell, Fl, and several nieces and nephews.

Tom was drafted by the United States Army where he proudly served his country in Viet Nam from 1967-1968. A true Patriot, and despite battling the curse of Agent Orange, he was also a lifetime member of the DAV, VFW and American Legion. During his better health, Tom enjoyed fishing, hunting and camping and was still Gold Eagle Status with the NRA. Tom was a successful business owner in Somerset, Pa having run T.C.’s Fuel Injection and serviced many farmers and truckers throughout the years. He had many stories about his childhood and technical schooling with his best friend, Bill Hanks, and later developed other lifetime friendships, particularly Jeff Hoffman and his late father, Fred. As his illness slowed him down, on good weeks and on a Friday, Tom could be found in a Cheers like setting at the Old Tollgate Inn among his close friends, Arlene and Aldo Betta, Lisa and Bill Wolfhope and many others. It was the highlight of his long week at home. Through the week Tom “adopted” his VA caregiver, Stacey Severns, who he considered family and a blessing. Tom had a special bond with his son in law, Chris, who he affectionately called 1-800-soninlaw, because Chris was always there for him when he needed something fixed or snow shoveled. Tom will be deeply missed but never forgotten because of his sense of humor and love of his family and dear friends. He was one of the strongest, stubbornest most loved and memorable man to grace many people’s lives. He was resilient, courageous and always determined to persevere through fear, pain, and life’s battles, moving forward through adversity. He was a warrior dealing with his health until his last breath.

Friends will be received from 2 p.m. until time of service at 4 p.m. on Friday at Harris Funeral Home, 500 Cherry Lane, Richland, with his close friend, Rev. William Hanks officiating. Military Rites will be conducted at the funeral home by Menoher Post #155 VFW Ritual Team. Committal service will be on Saturday at 10 a.m. at Somerset Memorial Park. The family suggests contributions be directed to your local chapter of the Disabled American Veterans (DAV), VFW or an American Legion in memory of Tom. Online condolences may be posted to www.wharrisfuneralhome.com.