Delano Berneal McGowen was born May 19, 1933 in Rosedale, Oklahoma, to John Henry McGowen and Elsie (Williams) McGowen. Surrounded by his loving family,Del went home to meet his heavenly father, Monday, October 5, 2020 in Norman, Oklahoma.
He married Shelba Jean (Lackey) August 15, 1954 in Wayne, Oklahoma. They raised two sons and a daughter. Del and Shelba were a part of the Norman community since 1970. He earned a BS in Petroleum Engineering in 1957 and worked as an engineer for Sohio Petroleum Co., Woods Petroleum Corp., and Hadson Petroleum Corp., for over thirty years.
Del enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing, watching OU sports, trips to Vegas and playing poker with friends. He loved attending activities of his eight grandchildren and most of all, spending time with family.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Norbert (Butch) McGowen.
He is survived by his wife, Shelba; sons, Vic of Oklahoma City, Okla., and Greg and wife, Cathy, of Moore, Okla.; daughter, Betsy Smith and husband, Dr. Dan Smith, of Oklahoma City, Okla.; sister, Sherri Herrin and husband, Phil, of Oklahoma City, Okla.; sister-in-law, Pat McGowen; grandchildren, Holly McGowen, Tammy Hanks and husband, Jeremia, Sarah Smith, Scott McGowen and wife, Meagan, Dr. Zach Smith and wife, Kris, Jake Smith, Audrey McGowen and Elliot McGowen; great-grandchildren, Owen McGowen, Luke Smith, Zoe McGowen and Claire Smith.
The family would also like to express their appreciation to Dr. Thomas Merrill and Pam Levy for their exemplary care throughout the years.
A memorial service was held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, October 13, 2020 at First Baptist Church, 211 W. Comanche St., in Norman. The service can also be viewed online through the Tribute Memorial Care website.
Online condolences may be shared at www.tribute.care (405-292-4787).
In lieu of flowers, the family would like to request donations be made to Bridges of Norman, 1670 Stubbeman, Norman, OK 73069, United Way, 2424 Springer Dr., Norman, OK 73069 or Transition House, Inc.,700 Asp Ave #2, Norman, OK 73069.
