Dwain Daniel McGowne was born on August 1, 1940, in Coalinga, CA, to Harley and Alma McGowne.  He lived most of his life in Coalinga, working in the oil fields and raising his children, Kerry, and Carla, alongside his wife Lois McGowne (Wallace) of 63 years, retiring to Yuma and Fort Mohave, AZ.

He met Lois Wallace in late 1959, fell in love.  They got married on February 12, 1960, in Dresden, TN, and celebrated 63 years together in February 2023.  They remained devoted to each other, enjoying life, and working through issues big and small.  And throughout his illnesses in his final years, Lois provided and oversaw his care so he could remain in his home until the end.

In 2005, Dwain and Lois moved to Yuma, AZ, and then to Fort Mohave, AZ in 2017, to be near their daughter and son-in-law, Carla and Rick Cooper.  He passed away peacefully in his own home on June 30, 2023, after a long period of illness.

Dwain was a gentle soul with a wicked sense of humor.  He loved to tease his grandchildren, most of whom lived with them for a period of time, and they joyfully teased him back.  His influence on them is immeasurable, and they all have stories of how much he impacted their lives.

Dwain also defied the definition of "traditional family".  To him, if you entered his realm, you were family.  He was very accepting of his kids and their partners, whoever they were and wherever they were in their lives.  He was ahead of his time in understanding relationships, identity, and acceptance, and tried to see people through God's eyes, not his own.

He had a strong faith and honored his relationship with God with an acceptance of meeting you where you are and presented a humble and open imperative of: "If you are OK with you and your God, then I'm OK with you".  He had a way of accepting everyone without condition, letting you live your life for yourself.

In addition to his wife and children, Dwain was a great father-in-law to two awesome men Rick Cooper and Jeffrey Tsunekawa, who loved him very much.  He loved them because they are connected to the most important people in his life.

He especially enjoyed teasing Jeffrey with a set of ceramic "puppies", that they would put in various places and make up stories about where they were.

He challenged Rick to multiple fishing contests on their annual Father's Day fishing trip to Mammoth, CA, which Rick won hands down every time….but he didn't care. Dwain also opened his heart up to Rick's sons, Taylor, and Brandon, who learned quickly about the "tease game" and often outsmarted him on his antics.

Dwain worked his entire life in the oil and gas industry.  So many of his friends were also his colleagues at Texaco, Oil Service, Whittaker, and others.  With his wife Lois, they made a good living and set their children up to be successful in life.

He is survived by his wife Lois McGowne and his children Kerry McGowne (and Jeffrey), and Carla Cooper (and Rick). He was grandfather to Jon Vance, Brittany McGowne, Dana Vance, Brianna Mack (and Andrew), Taylor Cooper (and Maggie), Brandon Cooper (and Jessie), and great grandfather to Hudson, Adeline, Emma, Calum, and Noah.  He was also an uncle and great uncle to many nieces and nephews that loved him and that he loved.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Harley and Alma McGowne, siblings, David McGowne, Janie Holiman, Curtis McGowne; and best friend and brother-in-law Jim Holiman.

While the family is heartbroken, we are happy that he is at rest. To Husband, Dad, Grandpa, Great-Grandpa, Uncle, and Friend, we love you. May you rest in peace.

A celebration of his life will be held on Friday, October 20, 2023, at 11AM at the Sunset Vista Funeral Home in Yuma, AZ, followed by a reception.  For more information, please contact Kerry McGowne @ kmcgowne@gmail.com.