William "Bill" Ray Gowen left this earthly life on December 23, 2025, at his sister's home in Calera, Oklahoma, surrounded by family, and entered the kingdom of God at the age of 66. He was born in Sherman, Texas, on June 19, 1959, to Barbara Bolton and William "Bill" Gowen.

Bill was the proud father of two children, Veronica and Anthony "Chase," whom he spoke of often and with deep pride. He also shared a close and special friendship with Gail Gauthier.

Bill as one of the most remarkable tinkerers anyone ever knew. He had a rare ability to figure things out, often finding creative and unconventional ways to make things work. His solutions were sometimes unexpected, but almost always effective. He had a natural talent for working with his hands and was especially skilled at repairing small engines, lawn mowers, boat motors, weed eaters, and chainsaws.

He loved country music, especially the older classics. Cowboy movies and western television shows were longtime favorites, and it was through those stories that Bill learned many of the manners and values he carried throughout his life—respect, courtesy, and a quiet sense of right and wrong. In his younger years, he also loved to dance, even showcasing his own John Travolta–style disco suit, and was known to be quite the hit. He and his brother George would drive around the lake in Bill's 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air listening to Elvis and Beach Boys and talking to girls in their younger years. Every hair was in place with a can of hairspray each time. Fishing for catfish was another passion, and many of his happiest hours were spent on the water with his cousin Gaylon and his son Chase.

A hard worker, Bill took great pride in his career at LOF, where he spent the majority of his working life making car windows and windshields. He was always positive, happy, and grateful, and never turned down the chance to tell a joke if asked. Bill was content spending long hours on his own, listening to the radio and watching his large fish tank, finding peace in life's quieter moments. At the same time, he never hesitated to show up in person when someone needed help, always ready to offer a steady presence and a helping hand. Ask anyone who knew him, and the answer would always be the same—Bill was simply one of the kindest people you could meet. You rarely met a more kindhearted and honest person than him.

When he wasn't doing one of the fore-mentioned, he was with his family. They are a tight nit bunch whom he loved dearly and completely.  He never missed a family gathering or Sunday meal with them.

The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the many care providers who supported Bill throughout his journey, from doctors, nurses, and technicians to the compassionate caregivers with Mays Home Health and Hospice of Durant, Oklahoma, for their kindness, dedication, and support.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Barbara Gowen, and his longtime spouse, Esther Shank.

He is survived by his children, Veronica Oaks and husband Barrett, and Chase Gowen and wife Jessie; his sister, Mary Ann Morrison and husband Gary of Calera, Oklahoma; brothers George Gowen and wife Lisa of Colbert, Oklahoma, and Jimmy Gowen and wife Sarah of Colbert, Oklahoma; and his grandchildren, Brooklyn Oaks, Braylen Oaks, Jordyn Oaks, Liam Gowen, and Lily Gowen. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First Baptist Church of Colbert, Oklahoma, toward their building fund.

A celebration of Bill's life will be held on January 17, 2026, at 1:00 PM at the First Baptist Church in Colbert, Oklahoma, with Terry Bolton officiating.