Don Clifford Cowin was born on August 18, 1927, in Breckenridge, TX, the third child of Rudy Orville Cowin and Gertha Jewell Simpson Cowin. The family subsequently relocated to Wynnewood, Oklahoma, where Don spent his early life and childhood. He graduated from Wynnewood High School and excelled academically while pursuing his love for Rodeo and calf roping.

Following graduation in 1946, Don began his career with his father’s business, Cowin and Son, developing his skills in the Construction Industry. This endeavor was cut short by the draft, and in 1950, Don enlisted in the United States Army and served his country in the Korean War conflict. He was awarded several battle stars as an elite sniper and for meritorious service.

In 1953, Don met his future wife, Melba Branch, the beautiful local Rodeo Queen, by chance at the Rodeo in Lindsay, Oklahoma. Following a whirlwind courtship, they were married on October 28, 1953. The couple settled in Oklahoma and were blessed with three sons.

Throughout the years, Don transitioned from his career with Cowin and Son and, along with his wife Melba, opened a wholesale Beauty Product distribution company. In 1977, a career change relocated the family to Irvine, California, with Don and Melba overseeing Beeline Fashion as co-vice Presidents. In the 1980s, the Cowin Family found their way to Plano, Texas, where Don discovered his love for Real Estate. As a million-dollar producer, the family relocated to Norman, Oklahoma, where Don devoted himself to selling residential real estate and ultimately opening his brokerage. The couple retired to Allen, TX in 2020 to be closer to their sons, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. In his retirement, Don enjoyed playing Bridge, of which he was an avid and skilled player.

Don passed away peacefully on February 2, 2024, after a short illness with his loving wife and family by his side. He will be remembered as a true gentleman, for his quiet humor, kind heart, astute observation, infectious giggle, unwavering Faith, and fierce love for his family.

Don is preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Jimmie Richardson, Zane Cowin, and Mary Lou Winters. He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Melba Cowin, sister Billie Winters, and three children: Michael Don (Regina), Richard (Sylvia), and Greg (Jennifer). He also leaves behind his beloved grandchildren, Angela Thomas (Aaron), Tasha (Joshua Blank), Stephen (Bethany), Ashley, and Ainsley, as well as five cherished great-grandchildren: Ashton, Anwyn, Alice, Hilde, and Stellan. Don will be fondly remembered by many lifelong friends and loved ones, and deeply mourned by his devoted dog, Bella. He will be loved and missed every day until we are once again reunited by our Heavenly Father.

A Celebration of Don’s life will be held at a future date.