Maxine T. Cowherd, third child of Tull and Mary Eva Johnson, was born on June 16, 1923, in Wetumka, Oklahoma, and passed from this life to be with the Lord on Friday, January 13, 2012.

Maxine was the wife of James Walter Cowherd and mother of three children, a son, Jimmy Dan, and is survived by twin daughters, Jane Redels and husband Dr. Lynn Redels of Hallsville, Texas, Jean Dugger and husband Dr. John Dugger of Anadarko, Oklahoma; two granddaughters, Jennifer VanBuskirk and husband Jonathan of Royce City, Texas, and Rebecca Faske and husband James of Austin, Texas, two grandsons, James Albert of Washington, D.C., and Michael Albert and wife Christy of McKinney, Texas; four great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Valedictorian of her senior class at Bearden High School in Wetumka, OK, Maxine became an elementary school teacher during World War II after her marriage to James W. Cowherd (affectionately known as Walter) in 1941. Moving to Sacramento, California, while her husband was serving in the Army Air Corp in the Philippines and New Guinea, Maxine worked in retail accounting. Upon Walter's return from the war, they lived in Weleetka, Oklahoma, and then Mid West City, Oklahoma, until 1956. Traveling to Tachikawa AFB, Japan, for Walter's civil service career, they lived in Japan for four years, during which time they met lifelong friends, Ed and Nelene Jones of Lompoc, California. Returning to the States in 1960, Maxine and the family settled in Lompoc, California, and became members of the Lompoc Church of Christ where many dear friends were made.

Maxine began her civil service career in 1961 at Vandenberg AFB near Lompoc, California. A person of particular detail, this trait served her well as award-winning historical secretary for the 1st Strategic Aerospace Division Historical Branch.

Retiring in 1985 from her civil service career, Maxine's interests included watching the Lakers basketball games, crocheting intricate doilies and impressive afghans, and RV traveling across the United States and Canada with her sister and brother-in-law, Mildred and Bill Mark of Wetumka, Oklahoma. She truly enjoyed the beauty of the Lord's creation in these many travels and throughout her life.

Maxine moved back to Wetumka, Oklahoma, in 2005 where many friends from her early years resided and then made new friends in Shawnee, Oklahoma, in 2007 where she resided until her death.

Services fro Maxine Cowherd will be held for family and friends at Smith Funeral Home Chapel in Anadarko, Oklahoma, at 1:00 PM on Thursday, January 19, 2012, with graveside services in Lompoc, California.