Obituary of Steve Cowen

Steve Cowen was born on September 13, 1931 in Shawnee, Oklahoma to Georgia and Nathan Cowen. He died suddenly but peacefully in his home on October 28, 2016 at the age of 85. Steve lived a long and colorful life making a positive impact on his family, many friends and his Travis Park neighbors to whom he was affectionately known as the ‘Gatekeeper of 30th St. at River Parks.” After growing up in Shawnee, Oklahoma, Steve graduated from Oklahoma Military Academy, and attended both Oklahoma A & M and Oklahoma University where he studied Architecture and Engineering. He worked in the family business, Cowen Construction, from an early age during which time Steve was a brick mason achieving Journeyman status. While at Oklahoma University he met Suzanne Laughlin Everage. They were married and had four sons, John, Carter, Buck and Clint. Steve served in the US Army and was stationed in France for two years. Upon his return from France, he rejoined the family business in Shawnee holding various positions. In 1966, Steve moved his young family to Tulsa and opened and operated a branch office for Cowen Construction. Steve ultimately purchased the family business in 1970 making Tulsa its headquarters where the business remains today. Steve owned and operated Cowen Construction from 1970 through 1986 when he sold the business to his eldest son John. Steve continued to foster many business relationships and friendships that were developed during his years in construction and remained a trusted mentor and advisor to the Company until his death. Steve had many interests and affiliations through the years. He was a member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity, he was a Mason and a Jester, active in the Associated General Contractors, Outstanding Builder of the year 1975 member Oklahoma Building Hall of Fame, Men’s Forum and After Glow to name a few. Other than his love and dedication to his family and his large circle of friends, Steve most loved outdoor pursuits, primarily fishing and hunting. Many lifelong friendships were developed in the field and on the water enjoying these pursuits. In the thirty years since his retirement, Steve traveled extensively hunting and fishing, and always in the company of his close friends. Steve is survived by son and daughter-in-law, John and Lori Cowen of Tulsa and their children, Carly, Paige and Johnathan Cowen; sons, Buck Cowen of Tulsa and Clint Cowen of Los Angeles. His nephew, Link Cowen of Shawnee, OK and Link’s children, April Cowen-Whalen and her daughter, Hannah Hill and April’s husband, Tom Whalen of Norman, OK and Link Cowen of Tulsa and his wife, Heather and their son, Link Cowen. Nieces, Katherine Harrell of Oklahoma City, Joanne Bole of Houston, Mary Alice Brumley of Fort Worth and Suzie McKenzie of Shreveport; Suzanne Cowen-Everage is the mother of Steve’s children; and, many other nieces and nephews. Steve was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Carter Cowen; his brother, Link Cowen and Link’s wife, Ruby Cowen; brother, Ernie Cowen; his sisters, Katie Garnett, Jacquline Crawley, Marie Cowen and Martha Lee Humphrey. Steve was blessed to remain in his home and active with friends and family until his last day due in large part to the wonderful care and companionship of his caregiver, Monica Heins over the past two years. A memorial service will be held 1:00 p.m. Saturday in St. Rita’s Chapel at Cascia Hall Preparatory School. In lieu of flowers, friends may contribute in Steve’s memory to Associated General Contractor’s Education Foundation. 605 NW 13th Street, Suite A, Oklahoma City, OK 73103-2213 or Cascia Hall School, 2520 S. Yorktown Ave., Tulsa, OK 74114. Ninde Funeral & Cremation (918) 742-5556 – www.ninde.com