“Bob and I grew up in kind of a tough neighborhood where lawyers usually don’t come from.. Our parents weren’t the country club people. He managed with a lot of hard work to get himself through college and law school and so did I,” Cummings said.

Cowles later worked for eight years as Cummings’ deputy prosecutor in the Anderson City Court before entering private practice.

Baylor said Cowles had become one of the most sought-after criminal defense attorneys in the area.

Cowles’ listing in an Anderson phone book lists drunk driving, drug charges, theft, identity fraud and battery as his law specialties.

Cummings said Cowles did more than criminal defense law. “He had a personal injury practice that he was very proud of.”

Cowles’ ad also lists that he specialized in auto and motorcycle accidents and wrongful death suits.

Cummings said Cowles had a long, proud history in Anderson. “He was a drum major in the Anderson High School band in 1973 and the organizer for our class reunions. He was still always very proud of that selection and having that honor.”

Though Cowles left Anderson in the late 1970s to pursue his education in law, he returned in 1994 and moved into the home he grew up in, Cummings said.

Due to his recent marriage, these last six months for Cowles, Cummings said, were happy ones. “I would say that he was a good friend and a good guy, and I think probably what’s as tragic as anything is his most recent marriage. It’s probably been the happiest time of his life. I don’t think he’d ever been happier in his life.”

Though he is recovering from injuries from his own accident, Cummings is planning to be out of the hospital in time for his friend’s funeral. “I will definitely be there but I’ve not heard about any of the arrangements, but I wouldn’t miss it for anything.”