Duane Cowen, Sr.

Duane Cowen, Sr., 85, of Pryor, Oklahoma, passed away on July 7, 2025, in Tulsa. He was born on July 30, 1939, in Cleveland, Oklahoma, to James and Mildred “Bertie” (Sory) Cowen. On March 29, 1963, he married the love of his life, Elaine Cowen, and together they built a family grounded in faith and love.Duane served his country faithfully in the United States Army, enlisting on September 6, 1957. After his service, he dedicated most of his life to ministry, working as a pastor and sharing his faith with countless people. He was known for his love of reading, golfing, and tending to his rose bushes and garden. In his younger years, he was athletic and even tried out for the St. Louis Cardinals—known for throwing a mean curveball that impressed everyone who saw it. Duane was well-known for being ornery and a prankster but had the sweetest heart.

He is survived by his sons, Duane Cowen and wife Candy of Navarre Beach, Florida, and John Cowen of Pryor, Oklahoma; daughter, Dianna Williams and husband Bob of Stonewall, Oklahoma; seven grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and many other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved wife Elaine, and eighteen siblings.

Graveside services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 10, 2025, at Fort Gibson National Cemetery in Fort Gibson, Oklahoma with his grandchildren and great grandchildren serving as honorary casket bearers, Bryan Pogue, Jake Williams, Brycen Cowen, Madlin Cowen, Tyler Cowen, Taegus Pogue, Chase Cowen, Zach Cowen, Savannah Cowen, and Bentley Cowen. Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday at Shipman's Funeral Home in Pryor. To leave a message or share a memory, please visit his tribute wall at www.shipmansfuneralhome.com.

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