George M. Cowden

George Malcolm Cowden, B.A. ’53, L.L.B. ’59, passed away on Dec. 20, 2025. He was born in San Antonio on Dec. 29, 1930, to Frances Willard Coleman Cowden and George Cowden. He grew up on the family ranch in Frio County, graduating from Pearsall High School in 1949. After a brief time at Tarleton State, he attended Baylor University, earning Bachelor of Arts and Juris Doctor degrees. 

While at Baylor, Cowden met and fell in love with Mollie Waldrop, B.A. ’54, from Jackson, TN. They married on Aug. 15, 1952. The pair began their lives together in Waco, then spent some time in Illinois and Japan during Cowden’s time in the Air Force. Returning to Waco, they had four children — Gaylynn, Gordon, Graves and George III. 

After earning his law degree, Cowden began the practice of law in Waco. Later, the family lived in Dallas and Austin. Cowden believed in service and over the years gave of his professional and personal time to various organizations in which he became involved. His service included: Texas State Representative from McLennan County, first assistant to the Attorney General of Texas, chairman of the Texas State Board of Insurance, trustee for the Hillcrest Baptist Hospital, trustee for San Marcos Baptist Academy, trustee for Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas, president of the Baylor Ex-Students Association, president of the Baylor Law Alumni Association, Baylor University Trustee initial member and later chairman of the Texas Public Utility Commission, director of the Texas Baptist Foundation, and church, deacon and committee member. 

Cowden enjoyed hunting, fishing, Baylor sports, wood carving, travel, reading and gatherings with family and friends.