Lois Jean McDowell

Lois Jean McDowell, 91, long-time resident of Moore, Oklahoma, passed away August

15, 2025. Lois was born to Harry and Delpha Mathewson on March 26, 1934 in

Sabetha, Kansas and was the oldest of three daughters.

Lois grew up on a farm near Sabetha and graduated from Sabetha High School in 1952.

Shortly after high school, she moved to Topeka, Kansas, and met her future husband,

Jim McDowell, who had been stationed at Forbes Air Force Base after serving in the

Korean War. Lois and Jim married February 7, 1954. While in Topeka, Lois gave birth

to her first child, Ron. Shortly after her son's birth, they moved to Mobile, Alabama

and later settled in Del City, Oklahoma when Jim started working at Tinker Air Force

Base. While in Del City, their second child, Joyce, was born.

Lois lived a full and active life. After her children were born, she dedicated her

energies to homemaking; followed her children's activities throughout their school

years; participated in the PTA; served as a den mother for the Cub Scouts; and took on

a leadership role in the United Methodist Women's church group. Weekend family

camping trips to Oklahoma state parks were also regular adventures.

When Jim retired, he and Lois spent many years traveling in their 5th-wheel RV. Their

travels included volunteering with the Sports Car Club of America doing flag and

communication safety work at sports car races all over the United States.

Additionally, they became "Winter Texans." Over a span of 25 years, their winter

residence was at Tropic Star Park in Pharr, Texas where they taught stained glass

classes, danced in the square dance group, and engaged in numerous other park

activities.

After returning to being a "year-round" Oklahoman, Lois became a member of the

Brand Senior Center in Moore. During her tenure as treasurer, she was involved with

helping secure a grant for a new center bus used to assist those needing

transportation. She was also an avid Bingo player and competitive game player (she

won two gold medals during the "Pegs & Jokers" Senior Games). She did not spare her

competitive spirit with family either, famously questioning and arguing strategy with

her 8-year-old great grandson!

A true Oklahoma spirit, Lois was a die-hard OKC Thunder fan who rarely missed

watching a game. In fact, during a championship playoff game, she delayed a trip to

the hospital until the final buzzer had sounded. She always cheered passionately for

the Oklahoma State Cowboys, and she loved watching her great grandchildren's

activities, be it via streaming or in-person. Complementing her passion for sports,

Lois could not resist a cup of HTeaO tea and a good "thrifting" opportunity.

Lois is survived by her son, Ron McDowell and wife, Anita Hartman, of Tulsa, OK; daughter,

Joyce Gunder and husband, Kevin, of Moore, OK; grandchildren, Becky (T.J.),

Karen and husband, Kyle, and Nicole; great-grandchildren Kylah, Michael, Kaydence,

Isaiah, Kinsley, Karter; and sisters, Alma Ackerman of Seneca, KS and Donna Tudor of

Holton, KS.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Jim McDowell.

A celebration of Lois' life will take place on Saturday, August 23, 2025 @ 10 a.m. at Moore First United Methodist Church

201 W. Main Street, Moore, OK 73160

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to:

Brand Senior Center

501 E. Main Street

Moore, OK 73160