David Crockett Cowan, Jr.
Funeral service for David Crockett Cowan, Jr., age 84, of Verden, Oklahoma will be held at 2:00pm, Monday, April 22, 2024 in the McRay Funeral Home Chapel. Pastor Blake Taylor will officiate.
Mr. Cowan was born to David C. Cowan, Sr. and Marie Booker Cowan on March 17, 1940 in Altus, Oklahoma. Being born on St. Patrick’s Day gained him the nickname “Pat.” He grew up in Chickasha, Oklahoma where, as a teenager, he worked delivering the local newspaper and mowing yards. He attended all of his elementary and high school years in Chickasha, Oklahoma. He was a member of the Order of DeMolay where he gained character and leadership development. Pat was also a member of the Boy Scouts of America where he rose to the esteemed rank of Eagle Scout.
David graduated high school in 1958. He was led towards continuing his education in helping the handicapped and those with special needs. This heartfelt calling came from having seven of his thirteen aunts and uncles that were hearing and speech impaired.
In May of 1962, David married Margaret Ann Ball of Verden, Oklahoma. From this union he fathered four children, Anna Marie, Earl David, Eric Winston and Amy Margaret.
In 1963, David earned a Bachelor’s Degree in education from Oklahoma State University and later completed his Master’s Degree in education. He spent several years in the classroom with special needs children in Oklahoma and New Mexico. In 1969, David became the Director and Administrator of Oklahoma Regional Educational Service Center providing teaching and learning materials for special education teachers and students. After retirement, he became an adjunct professor of education at USAO. Mr. Cowan spent over thirty years in education fulfilling his special calling.
While retired, David enjoyed gardening, genealogy, and bird watching. Being a devout Christian, his true passion was making Christmas a magical time for everyone.
David was preceded in death by his parents David Sr. and Marie Cowan; sister Jean Anne McKee-Bassett and brother James Michael Cowan.
Survivors include his wife Margaret Ann Cowan of the home in Verden, Oklahoma; daughter and husband Anna Marie and Mark Thornton of Gary, Texas; son Eddie Cowan of Verden, Oklahoma; son and wife Eric and Sarena Cowan of Mangum, Oklahoma; and daughter and husband Amy Cowan and Roman Pena of Verden, Oklahoma. David left thirteen grandchildren; a host of foster grandchildren and nineteen great-grandchildren to continue his legacy. He is also survived by his sister Linda Cowan of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; sister and husband Sandra and David Harriman of Norman, Oklahoma; sister-in-law Loretta Cowan of Tonganoxie, Kansas and numerous nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers include grandsons Michael Rettig, Robert Cowan, Roman Pena, Luke Thornton, Jake Cowan and Cheyenne Pena. Honorary pallbearers include Brian Landreneaux, Ethan Legaly, Casey Jackson, Kaleb Murray, Lance Harris and Lonnie Marzette.
The family will greet friends from 4:00 – 6:00pm, Sunday, April 21, 2024 at McRay Funeral Home.
Interment will be in the Fairlawn Cemetery. Following the interment there will be a gathering for family and friends at the Verden Community Building.
Services are under the direction of McRay Funeral Home.
