John Gerald McGowan was born July 8, 1942 near Richland, Missouri and passed away April 24, 2026 at the age of 83 years.
He attended school in Swedeborg, Missouri, Richland, Missouri and Union, Missouri.
He married Joan Ennis on May 29, 1962 in Union, Missouri.
He worked at Carmo Shoe & Coat Company in Union for six years. After Carmo Shoe Company, he worked four years at Chrysler Corporation, and then, he took on the role of equipment operator in telephone construction. In 1972, John moved his family to St. James where he continued working in telephone construction when the workload permitted. When the telephone business slowed, he picked up hours at Randy Ray's Tire and other part time work until his retirement.
After retiring, John and Joan bought a farm near Vichy. He enjoyed clearing and mowing their property. He also enjoyed mechanic work, repairing tractors and lawn mowers,
He was preceded in death by his son, Johnny; two grandchildren, Michelle and Dillon; parents, John Joseph McGowan and Helen Elizabeth Powers McGowan; sisters, Catherine “Katy” Kloppenberg and Doris Dobsch.
He is survived by his wife, Joan; daughter, Geraldine; seven grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; other relatives and friends.
Visitation was held from 6-8 p.m. Thursday, April 30, 2026 at Jones Funeral Home is St. James, Missouri.
Funeral service was held at 11 a.m. Friday, May 1, 2026 at Jones Funeral Home in St. James, Missouri.
Burial followed at 1:30 p.m. at Mid-Lawn Memorial Gardens in Union, Missouri.
Arrangements under the direction of the Jones Funeral Home in St. James, Missouri.
