Doris Edward Gower

November 22, 1944 - March 8, 2022

Doris Edward Gower, 77, of Tahlequah, Oklahoma, entered into paradise on March 8, 2022. Doris was born in Tahlequah, Oklahoma on November 22, 1944 to Euel and Ruby Railey Gower. He attended and graduated from Tahlequah High School. After graduation he joined the Army National Guard and served honorably for 6 years. He married Joyce Ballard in 1967 and together they raised two sons, Scott and Wayne Gower. They remained married until her death. Doris later met Melissa McNiel and on October 5th, 2001, he and Melissa were married. They made their home in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. A rancher all his life, he garnered enjoyment from working cattle, along with breaking, training and, of course, riding horses. He never met a stranger and always had a good story to tell. If given the opportunity, he would take you into Camp Gruber and tell you many tales of the good old days and if a hog happened to show up, well, it was time to let his dogs have some fun! After he retired, Doris developed a love for traveling and thoroughly enjoyed going to the beach. He found that the sound of the waves crashing upon the beach was as sweet as an old country song. However, Doris’ true passion, a passion that withstood the test of time, was his genuine love for his family. He was blessed with many grandchildren and great grandchildren, whom he absolutely adored. He was affectionally nick-named “No-No” for his playful and whimsical teasing of his grandkids! Although his alias may have been “No-No,” the word “No” was rarely heard when asked for anything from any of his loved ones. Doris is preceded in death by his late wife Joyce Ballard Gower; his father and mother, Euel and Ruby Gower; brother Jimmy Gower and sister Dorothy Box. He is survived by his wife, Melissa of the home; son, Scott Gower of Tahlequah, Oklahoma; son Wayne Gower of Tulsa, Oklahoma; brother Earl Gower of Tahlequah, Oklahoma; sister-in-law Bertie Gower of Tahlequah, Oklahoma; grandsons Garrett Gower, Blake Gower, Dustin Gower, Bradyn Gower, Kaden Gower, Payson Gower, granddaughters Lesley Gower, Katy Henley, Cheyenne Gower, Avery Maize and Krause Gower; seven great grandchildren and several nieces, nephews, and a host of other relatives, friends, and loved ones.