Service set for former Austinite Cowden

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Gordon Cowden's life will be remembered and celebrated on Friday at Riverbend Centre in a service set for 11 a.m.

Cowden, 51, was one of the people killed in Aurora, Colo., last week at the midnight showing of the movie "Dark Knight Rises." Reports say that he was there with his two teenage children, who survived the massacre. He is the father of four children.

Cowden was born in Waco, but raised in Austin, and friends and members of his family still live here.

The service at Riverbend Centre , located at 4214 North Capital of Texas Highway, will be led by Gordon Smith, a former college roommate of Cowden's father, and for whom Cowden was named.

A prior memorial service will be held in Denver on Wednesday at 11 a.m. at Pathways Church, 1595 Pearl St., Denver. Arrangements are being handled by Horan & McConaty .

Information has not been released about where Cowden will be buried.

Cowden was the oldest of the dozen shooting victims. The family's statement issued on Saturday described the former Austinite as a loving father, outdoorsman and small-business owner.

"A quick-witted world traveler with a keen sense of humor, he will be remembered for his devotion to his children and for always trying his best to do the right thing, no matter the obstacle," according to a family spokesman.

Cowden's father is local attorney and former state lawmaker George Malcolm Cowden.

The family has asked local media to stay away from the service and to respect their privacy at this time.