Edgar Conrad Cowart

Father Edgar "Conrad" Cowart Dies at 86 Father Edgar "Conrad" Cowart, a priest of the Diocese of St. Augustine known for his Marian devotion, love for the Eucharist and gentle pastoral care, died Wednesday, Nov. 19, after an extended illness. Born and raised in Jacksonville, Father Cowart was the son of Edgar Cowart and Susan O'Hara Cowart and one of two children. His sister, Gail Middleton, survives him, along with his nephew Rob Middleton, both of Jacksonville; his niece, Pam McClain of Hattiesburg, Miss.; and her six children - three grandnieces and three grandnephews - whom he spoke of frequently and with great affection. He baptized the last four after his ordination to the priesthood. He was a lifelong member of St. Paul Parish in Riverside. He attended St. Paul Catholic School, where the Sisters of St. Joseph nurtured his early love for the faith. He graduated from Bolles in 1957 and later earned an English degree from Rollins College. Before entering seminary, he served in the Coast Guard, taught in public schools and at Bishop Kenny High School, and worked in his family's construction, hardware and mini-storage businesses. Active in faith formation at Our Lady Star of the Sea Parish, he discerned a call to the priesthood through Cursillo, a rosary prayer group and pilgrimages to Fatima, Medjugorje and the Holy Land. Father Cowart began formation at Sacred Heart Seminary in Hales Corners and completed his studies at St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary in Boynton Beach. He was ordained on May 11, 1996, by Bishop John J. Snyder at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine. His first assignment was as parochial vicar at Sacred Heart Parish in Jacksonville from June 17, 1996, to June 2001 and at Assumption Parish from 2001 to 2003. On Sept. 15, 2003, Bishop Victor Galeone appointed him chaplain of Shands Hospital in Gainesville, a role he held until Dec. 1, 2008, ministering compassionately to patients, families and hospital staff. Beginning in 2004, he served as administrator and later pastor of St. Edward Parish in Starke. Bishop Felipe Est�vez granted Father Cowart senior priest status on April 13, 2016. Remembered for his compassion, steady prayer life and devotion to Mary, Father Cowart often said his vocation came through her gentle guidance. Once she had his attention, he said, she led him to her Son and the priesthood. His love of all things Jacksonville - especially the St. Johns River and his boats - brought him joy throughout his life and were among the pastimes he treasured most. A Vigil Service will be held on Monday, Nov. 24, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Father John Reynolds will lead the rosary at 6 p.m., at the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, 121 E. Duval Street, Jacksonville. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated Tuesday, Nov. 25, at 3 p.m. at the Basilica. Bishop Erik Pohlmeier will be the principal celebrant, and Father Edward Murphy will serve as homilist. A light reception will follow Mass

Edgar Conrad Cowart

April 13, 1939 - November 19, 2025