Reba Leah McDowell

Reba Leah McDowell, 95, of Shawnee, Oklahoma passed away Tuesday, September 12, 2023 at her home.

She was born on June 16, 1928 in Picher, Oklahoma to Jesse “Carl” and Lura (Wilkinson) Martin. 

Reba was raised in Shawnee and graduated from Shawnee High School with the class of 1945. 

She married Ralph Laffayette McDowell on December 24, 1947.

After marriage she moved with Ralph to France during the Korean War and after two years in France they returned to Oklahoma and lived in the Midwest City area, until moving back to Shawnee in 1978 where she has lived ever since.

Reba began her career at Tinker Air Force Base and retired in 1984 after 35 years of service, where she held various positions.

She was a member of Blackburn Chapel Baptist Church in Bethel Acres for many years, and a member of the Owls Group. 

She enjoyed fishing, OU sports, dominos, crafts, woodworking, gardening, and staying busy.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph Laffayette McDowell; and brother, William Jack Martin.

Those left to cherish her memory are one son, Richard L. McDowell and wife Cassi of Midwest City, OK; two grandchildren, Zachary McDowell and wife Yunmi of Fairmont, WV and Robin McDowell of Midwest City, OK; one sister-in-law, Mary Ellen Martin of Shawnee; and two great-grandchildren, Wooin Kaeden McDowell and Ahin Luke McDowell; several nieces, nephews, and other extended family and friends.

The family has designated the American Heart Association, P.O. Box 15186, Austin, TX  78761 as appropriate for memorials.

Memorial Service will be 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, September 19, 2023 at Blackburn Chapel Baptist Church with Reverend Larry Sparks officiating. Burial will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park in Shawnee, OK under the direction of Cooper Funeral Home of Tecumseh.