Dwight Glenn Mebane

Dwight Glenn Mebane was born on October 28, 1959, in Bakersfield, California, to Lewis and Ruby Mebane. He was raised in the Rio Bravo area, where his childhood was shaped by long days outdoors; catching frogs, fishing, and riding alongside his father on Breckenridge gathering wild cattle. They relied on good dogs to push cattle through thick brush, roping them and using whatever means necessary to get the job done. Those early years forged the grit, determination, and character that defined Dwight’s life.

As a boy, Dwight developed a love for collecting treasures hidden in the land he cherished. He spent hours combing river bottoms for antique bottles, Indian beads, and arrowheads, and searching for shark teeth on Shark Tooth Hill. That appreciation for treasures and hidden beauty remained with him throughout his life.

From a young age, Dwight knew exactly what he wanted to do. At just eleven years old, he had already set his sights on building a life in cattle ranching and he never wavered. He spent countless hours drawing up cattle operations and pasture plans, seeking out experienced cattlemen, and asking questions. He loved all breeds; Angus, Brahmans, Charolais, and Watusis but Longhorns held a special place in his heart. Over the years, he owned and admired nearly every breed.

At just eighteen, Dwight secured his first lease and began building his cow herd. In April 1977, he met Helen Bowen at a branding. They married in 1979 and built a life together over the next 46 years, raising six children and creating a legacy rooted in faith, family, and hard work.

To support his growing family and cattle operation, Dwight worked hard. In his early years, he built fences, worked in the oil fields, and sold supplement for FSC; all while steadily growing his herd. In the early 1990s, he moved his family to Coyote Springs, northeast of Bakersfield, where ranch life flourished.

Dwight was a devoted husband and a great father. On the ranch, he was both teacher and example. He taught his children to ride horses, rope and work cattle, load trucks, drive dusty roads, and feed hay. But more than ranching, he taught resilience. He taught that hard work is a privilege, toughness is built through perseverance, and no job should ever be left unfinished, no matter how long it takes. These lessons are a rare treasure and a lasting testament to his love and determination to raise his children the right way.

Dwight had a deep love for the cattle business in every form, and few things brought him more joy than a good cattle auction. He never missed a Monday at the Western Stockman’s Market. Whether he was buying, selling, or simply studying the market, the sale barn was one of his favorite places to be. His passion extended far beyond home no matter where the road took him, he made sure to map out auction yards along the way. Even on family vacations, he knew exactly where the nearest sale barn was and made time to stop in.

His love of cattle was matched only by his love of land. Over the years, he ran cattle across beautiful country, northeast and south of Bakersfield on the San Emidio Ranch, at the Romero Ranch near Santa Nella, in Klamath Falls, Oregon, and more recently in Lone Pine. There, with Mount Whitney rising in the background, he would sit outside under the stars, admiring the meadow and his cattle. During the summers, he and Helen would travel there weekly to irrigate and check cattle. It became one of their most treasured places.

Dwight’s life was defined by vision, grit, devotion, and love for his family, his cattle, and the land he stewarded. The legacy he built lives on in the family he raised, the values he instilled, and the countless lives he touched.

Dwight is survived by his devoted wife of 46 years Helen Mebane, his six children Chet Mebane (Elizabeth), Rianna Mebane, Justin Mebane (Jennifer), Bennet Mebane (Lindsey), Alison Kulka (Ryan) and Amy Mebane. Four grandchildren Emma Mebane, Arthur Gorneault, Haley Mebane and Cash Mebane, sisters Judy Sholar (Emory) and Carol Wedding (Jim).

He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Dwight’s memory to the American Cancer Society.

A Graveside Service will be held at Hillcrest Memorial Park, 9101 Kern Canyon Road, Bakersfield, California 93306, US, on March 4, 2026, from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm, and Dwight will be laid to rest in Garden of Miracles.

Pallbearers will be Chet Mebane, Justin Mebane, Bennet Mebane, Ryan Kulka, Pascoe Bowen, and Matthew Bowen.