Lester Lyman Cowden Jr.

Lester L. Cowden, Jr. “Lucky” Cowden

Lester L. Cowden, Jr., known to family and friends simply as “Lucky,” passed away on September 13, 2026, at the age of 90. He was born January 19, 1936, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, to Eva and Lester Cowden, Sr. He was raised in Oklahoma City and carried throughout his life the values of hard work, independent thinking, and intellectual curiosity.

Lucky was a voracious reader and believed strongly in the importance of thinking for oneself. He passed that lesson along to his children, grandchildren, and many others, along with a love of music, knowledge, and discovery.

He could play the piano, concertina, guitar, and ukulele, but it was the banjo that ultimately captured his heart. He played both four and five-string banjo, and in time, became deeply devoted to preserving and celebrating the instrument he loved.

That devotion found its greatest expression through the American Banjo Museum. Lucky was enormously proud of his involvement with the museum, first in its original home in downtown Guthrie, and later at its permanent home at Bricktown in downtown Oklahoma City. He served as a board member, vice president, and president, contributing his time, energy, knowledge, and considerable enthusiasm to the museum’s growth and recognition. The museum became more than an institution to Lucky; it was a cause he believed in and a reflection of his lifelong love of music and history. His dedication to the museum led to him becoming the recipient of the “2022 Jack Canine Award”, a prestigious award given annually to candidates who have supported the museum and its mission to preserve and promote the banjo, while expanding appreciation and understanding of its history and music.

Lucky's interests extended well beyond music. He enjoyed cultivating bonsai trees, hunting for rocks and minerals, sailing, traveling, and learning about virtually anything that caught his attention. An accomplished pilot, he loved to fly – even after he no longer had a plane to fly. He was a member of Toastmasters and enjoyed the art of conversation as much as the acquisition of knowledge.

And, speaking of conversation, Lucky loved a good pun - and, truth be told, he loved a bad one almost as much. He could turn an ordinary conversation into an opportunity for wordplay, and anyone foolish enough to engage him in a pun war soon discovered they were hopelessly outmatched. With Lucky, the puns were plentiful, the comebacks were quick, and surrender was usually the wisest course.

Professionally, Lucky enjoyed a long and successful career. He worked for his father’s company, Retail Merchants Collection Service, where he served as controller. He later built a prosperous career as a commercial real estate broker at JR Fulton & Associates. He approached his work with the same independence, curiosity, and determination that characterized the rest of his life.

A lifelong sports fan, Lucky followed the Oklahoma City Thunder, St. Louis Cardinals, and Oklahoma Sooners with great enthusiasm. Sports, like so many of his interests, were ultimately another way for him to connect with people, conversation, history, and the world around him.

Although he was not outwardly religious, Lucky was raised Catholic and maintained a deep love of God throughout his life. His faith was personal and quiet, but it remained a big part of who he was.

Lucky was preceded in death by his parents, Eva and Lester Cowden, Sr.; son, James Joseph Cowden; former wife and Mother of his children, Joan Cowden; brother, Michael Cowden; brother-in-law, Ronald Buckelew; sister-in-law, Sandra Cowden; and niece, Sara Bickerstaff.

He is survived by his wife, LeeAnn Cowden whom he met in 1997, and for 30 years, they shared their lives with love and devotion. In addition, Lucky is survived by brothers, David Cowden (Mary), and Daniel Cowden; sisters, Jeanne Meyer (Paul), Lisa Buckelew; and sister-in-law, Barbara Cowden.

He is also survived by his children, Joan Marie Cowden (Charles Richardson), Julie Kornfeld (Kevin), Lester Cowden III (Deborah); and Janet Cowden; stepchildren, Karen Mather (Pete); and Kent Kelso (Kelley).

His grandchildren include Lester Cowden IV (Andrea); Zachary Cowden (Kendall); Seth Cowden (Claire); Audrey Hornsby; and Elizabeth Kutteh (Michael); step-grandchildren, Jessica McCaleb, Jennifer Jordan, Karly Kelso, and Henry Kelso, and seven great grandchildren along with numerous nieces & nephews.

Lucky enjoyed a remarkable life, one defined by family, curiosity, music, entrepreneurship, and an enduring love of learning. He was curious when others were content to wonder, musical when others were merely listening, and always eager to learn something new. He left behind a lifetime of accomplishments, but perhaps his greatest legacy is curiosity, critical thinking, love of music, and the love of learning he instilled in those who knew him.

He will be remembered for his intelligence, humor, many interests, unmistakable individuality, and the music that so often filled his home and his life.

Lucky's presence in this world will be deeply missed by the many people who knew, admired, and loved him.

In Lieu of Flowers, Donations can be made to:

American Cancer Society or American Banjo Museum in Oklahoma City