Everett DeWayne Cowan

DeWayne Cowan, age 83, passed away on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, in Perryton, Texas. The oldest of six siblings, he was born to Everett and Mildred Cowan on October 18, 1942, in Perryton. DeWayne resided in Balko, Oklahoma, with his wife, Anita.

DeWayne grew up in Balko and graduated from Balko High School in 1961. He later attended Okmulgee Tech, where he studied auto-body repair. After completing the program, he worked at the Cord Automobile Plant in Tulsa, Oklahoma. However, the Oklahoma Panhandle called him home.

He married Evelyn Peters on August 1, 1967. The couple briefly lived in Elkhart, Kansas, before settling in Balko. During this time, DeWayne worked for Beaver County and later for Exxon, from which he retired after 33 years of service. He continued to work as a contract pumper for Jerry Cooper for several years following retirement. DeWayne was an expert at fixing small engines and had likely repaired just about every lawnmower in Beaver County at least once.

In 1971, DeWayne and Evelyn narrowly escaped a fire that destroyed their home, losing nearly all their possessions. Despite this hardship, they soon found joy again. In 1972, they welcomed their first son, Byron, and their second son, Daron, was born in 1975.

While their sons were growing up, DeWayne coached their t-ball teams, served as the announcer for the Balko Livestock Show, and supported all of their activities. As a family, they owned and operated BEDD Berks and Spots Show Pigs, spending many early mornings tending to the herd and sharing stories about who “really did all the work.”

After retiring from Exxon, Evelyn was diagnosed with cancer. DeWayne remained her devoted companion, traveling with her to Amarillo for treatments and surrounding her with unwavering love and care. Evelyn passed away on March 7, 2000.

In time, DeWayne found comfort and companionship with Anita Albright. They were married on April 14, 2001. Through this union, his family grew to include Dawn and Mel Ray.

DeWayne and Anita enjoyed traveling on Nelda’s Bus Trips, visiting destinations such as Washington, D.C., Alaska, and Mackinac Island—his favorite. When travel became more difficult, they spent time at their lake house in Eufaula, Oklahoma.

Together, DeWayne and Anita shared the joy of seven grandchildren, two bonus grandchildren, and one bonus great-granddaughter. They attended dance recitals, concerts, ballgames, graduations, and many other special events.

As his health declined, DeWayne remained devoted to his family, taking care to put his affairs in order and cherishing time with those who came to visit. When the pain became too great, he faced it with quiet strength, simply saying, “I’m done,” and never wavering.

DeWayne is survived by his sons, Byron Cowan and wife Christina of Pawhuska, Oklahoma, and Daron Cowan and wife Holly of Ulysses, Kansas; bonus daughter Dawn Wythe and husband Curtis of Yukon, Oklahoma; and bonus son Mel Ray Albright of Balko, Oklahoma.

He is also survived by his grandchildren Tanner Cowan, Lily Cowan, Joe and Angelo Wythe, Mason, Madison, and Morgan Albright, and bonus granddaughters Morgan Hough-Anderson and Destiny Anderson along with great-granddaughter Paige.

Surviving siblings include Stevie, Dannie, and Billy, all of Balko; Carl and wife Nona of Perryton; and Jeannie Benson and husband Terry of Amarillo, Texas. He is also survived by sisters-in-law Jerry Sheahan and Jere Peters, both of South Hutchinson, Kansas, along with numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Everett and Mildred Cowan; his wife, Evelyn; sister-in-law Amelia Cowan; and brothers-in-law Dean Peters, Johnny Simmons, and Jim Sheahan.

Memorials can be made to the Balko Volunteer Fire Department.