Funeral services for Stroud resident, Jess McDowell, were held 2:00 p.m. Thursday, August 18, 2016 in the Olive First Baptist Church. His son, Rev. Tyler McDowell officiated along with several other ministers. Interment followed in the Stroud Cemetery at Stroud, Oklahoma. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to the care of Michael’s Funeral Home of Drumright.

Jess Willard McDowell was born May 3, 1936 to Jess Hubert McDowell and Opal Harjo McDowell in Bearden, Oklahoma.

He departed this life at his residence on August 15, 2016 at the age of 80 years, 3 months and 2 days.

A graduate of Butner High School, he excelled in baseball as the catcher and basketball as point guard. One of his great joys was playing alongside his best friend, Leon.

Jess retired from OG&E as a line foreman, and had pastored numerous churches in Oklahoma as well. He also preached revivals all over the country as an evangelist. Jess was an accomplished race horse trainer and owner. Many have seen or heard of the great HarMack Bull, his best horse. He was 100% cowboy, as his CB handle was “#1 Cowboy”, but was also proud of his Muscogee {Creek} Nation heritage. The stories that accompanied all of these things and more were to the delight of all who were fortunate to hear them.

While a fan of OU and the Dallas Cowboys, he had become one of the great enthusiasts of our Oklahoma City Thunder. As much as he loved the Thunder, his favorite people to support were his kids and grandkids. From theater to rodeo, academia to football, and everything in-between, his love and support never wavered for his family. For them, he was their rock & safety net. He was the consummate family man.

A great champion of discipleship, there is an abundance of pastors, deacons and other Christian men who have received Jess’ wise council. No place is this more evident than in his own family. Many are gathered here who have been on the receiving end of the sage advice Jess was so full of. He did not hold back truth for himself; he was a city on a hill.

Jess loved his wife, Rajena, dearly. They were united in marriage on September 1, 1973 and ever since, were a great team in all they did. There were many times in revivals and church services where she would play the piano while he sang. To those closest to him, it was always, “Jess and Rajena”, “Mom and Dad”, “Granaw and Pipaw", or "Auntie and Uncle Jess". They were a unit and they took care of each other over the years, as life took its course. They showed everyone how to enjoy the good times and weather the bad.

All of this is so because of Jess McDowell’s love for Jesus and passion for His gospel. Everything in his life revolved around teaching or sharing the gospel and he was well known for that. Jess embodied the gospel on earth, but now, the gospel embodies him in Heaven.

His remaining family includes his wife, Rajena McDowell of the home; four children, Beccy Peck and husband Allen of Stroud – Jeanie Daniels and husband Robby of Kemp – Toni McDowell of Stroud – Rev. Tyler McDowell and wife Crystal of Olive; grandchildren, Joe Allen and Candace Peck – Jake Daniels – Kanin McDowell – Sadie McDowell – Cooper McDowell; a sister, Eulala Pegram of Colorado; some very close and special cousins, along with nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Online condolences may be made at www.michaelsfuneralservices.com.