John Yowell

John Randall Yowell (Randy) was born on September 10, 1951, in Perry, Oklahoma to Robert and Norma (Vance) Yowell. He passed from this life on July 11, 2022, in Oklahoma City at the age of 70 after a battle with pancreatic cancer. Randy grew up in Perry and attended Perry schools, graduating in 1969 from Perry High School. He was voted Mr. PHS his senior year – which was fitting because he loved the town of Perry and the people in it his entire life. As a child, he played little league baseball and wrestled and was a Cub Scout and a Boy Scout. He served as a junior deacon at First Christian Church. He was always a hard worker from an early age, throwing newspapers, working for the Perry Schools as a custodian, and in the summers, hauling hay. After graduation he worked for Ditch Witch in Perry and then Ditch Witch of Oklahoma. He also worked part-time alongside his parents at Bob’s Texaco and Bob’s Conoco in Perry. Always a serial entrepreneur, he found his lifelong professional passion in the bank equipment industry and worked alongside his best friend Bart McCurdy for the remainder of this working career.

Randy had four sons; Jay, Treg, Brian and Brandon. Randy was most proud of his four sons, their families and their accomplishments in life. He was, above all else, a devoted and loving father, and his boys were the love of his life.

Eventually, Randy was accompanied by his two sons, Brandon and Brian, at Black Mesa Security. Randy continued to work alongside Bart and his sons, pouring his knowledge and love for business into the company. His personality in working with customers and employees made him a valuable asset to the company. Until the day he passed away, he enjoyed working day in and day out with the wonderful people at Black Mesa, which he always considered his second family. Even on weekends, his mind was often focused on the demands of his position and the success of the business. He will be greatly missed by all of the employees, vendors, suppliers and customers who considered him a mentor and a friend during his 40 year career in the industry.

Randy is survived by his two sisters, Debra Yowell McIntire and husband Larry; Kim Yowell Thompson and husband Mike; four sons, Jay Yowell and wife Jamie of Edmond; Treg Yowell and wife Terry of New Braunfels, Texas; Brian Yowell and wife Kimberly of Blanchard; and Brandon Yowell and wife Jennifer of Oklahoma City. He is also survived by seven grandchildren, Jordan and wife Ashley of Edmond; Jorja of Denver; Cade of Edmond; Colton, Camden, and Charlotte of Oklahoma City, and Samantha of Blanchard. He also was adored by numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Norma Yowell, and his favorite dog Buster.

Randy enjoyed spending time fishing and boating at the lake from a young age.  He enjoyed spending every spare second with his children and grandchildren. One of the biggest family traditions from childhood was celebrating the Fourth of July with cousins, aunts and uncles, and other family members. At the Cherokee Strip celebration each year, he could be found circling the square and meeting up with old friends. He never missed a class reunion of his own or anybody else’s that he could “crash.” He loved watching OU and OSU football, and never tired of watching western movies. Other than his father, John Wayne was his all-time hero. He spent countless hours “tinkering in the shop” with his dad, restoring cars and go-karts, building furniture, and finishing lake projects.  He also enjoyed spending his free time playing the slot machines at local casinos with his sons.  His family and friends will remember Randy as a genuine friend, a loyal brother, a devoted son, and a loving father and grandfather. He enjoyed people, had a great sense of humor, and he never met a stranger.

Friends are welcome to stop by Brown-Dugger Funeral Home of Perry on Thursday (7/21) from 8-5pm and again on Friday (7/22) from 8-4 pm to pay their respects and sign his guest book.  Family will be present Friday night from 4-8pm to receive guests.

Funeral services will begin at 10 a.m. on Saturday July 23rd at the First Christian Church of Perry.  Joshua Bell will officiate.  Burial will follow at the pavilion at Grace Hill Cemetery of Perry. Friends are invited to a time of fellowship after the service at the Perry Golf and Country Club.  The Clubhouse will be open to receive guests at 11a.m.  Refreshments will be provided.

Memorial contributions in Randy’s name can be sent to the Perry High School Alumni Association (P. O. Box 327, Perry, OK 73077), or the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network 1500 Rosecrans Avenue, Suite 200 Manhattan Beach, CA 90266