On April 4, 1922, an awesome baby boy named Caldonia was born to Ezekiel & Adline McCowin in Shelbyville, TX. He was the 2nd born of 8 children. Cal grew up on a farm and attended a segregated school in Shelby County. After completing the 7th grade, he had to drop out of school to start working to help support his family. He received the baptism of the holy spirit under a brush arbor. Under the auspice of Mother Goins, Triumph the Holy Righteous Church. God anointed his hands, and he was blessed with the gift of playing the guitar for his church.
Once Cal became of age he met and married Ludie Suell. To this union 2 daughters were born Margie Faye and Earnestine. He was later drafted into the US Army, that required him to change his name to Cal D. McCowin since a 3-part name was required. While serving his country he received 5 medals of honor. Good conduct, European Africa, Eastern Campaign, American Campaign & the WWII Victory medal. He was honorably discharged for his service on February 12, 1946. His then wife became sick and passed away shortly after giving birth to their 2nd daughter.
Later, he enrolled into Texas College in Tyler, TX to study mechanics. He received his license and his love for working on cars bloomed. Thereafter he met and married his second wife Hazel Franklin and to this union 2 sons were born, Calvin Ray and Curtis Neal. The marriage ended in divorce after she chose to follow her parents to Phoenix, AZ.
Cal’s life story continued, and in the summer of 1954, he attended a revival at Watkins COGIC under Rev. Sam Scott in Poyner, TX. Bobbie Jean Tatum was a member at the time, the pastor and his wife introduced the 2 and soon the courtship began. Cal married the love of his life Bobbie on January 23, 1955. God blessed this union with 6 children, Sandra Elaine, Carolyn Jean, Marilyn Faye, Otis Milton, Marcus Lynn and Calvin Donnell.
When Cal moved to Dallas, he started a group called Gospel Quartet Singers, with him playing his guitar. The group went on to play at many churches over time. He also designed and made 3 guitars. One for Pastor William Smith of Gods Holy Temple, one for Sunny South Music Maker group and one for himself. He was once called “The Guitar Man” of Dallas. Later a family group called The McCowin Singers was formed, they traveled near and far performing for over 30 years. Traveling stopped and they all became dedicated to their church, Triumph the Church and Kingdom of God in Christ. Cal served many offices of the church while still being one of the musicians.
He worked for Henry Beck Construction for many years, as a licensed plumber. He retired from Modular Ambulance Corp located in Grand Prairie, TX.
Cal D. McCowin passed away peacefully at home in his bed, on Thursday, June 12, 2025. He was welcomed into his eternal home of Glory by his parents, Ezekiel & Adline; seven children, Carolyn, Marcus, Curtis, Otis, Marilyn, Sandra and Margie; three brothers, Leonard, Howard and Lamar; two sisters, Verneal and Fannie along with two grandsons.
He leaves to cherish his precious memories, his loving wife of 70 years, 4 months and 20 days, Mrs. Bobbie Jean McCowin; one daughter, Earnestine; two sons, Calvin Ray (Debra) and Calvin Donnell; eighteen amazing grandchildren, thirty-six wonderful great-grandchildren and twenty-two awesome great-great grandchildren; one sister, Pastor Reather Washington and one brother, S.A. McCowin and a vast host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.
