John "Bill" W. McGowan

John W. “Bill” McGowan, 68, of Shawnee, Oklahoma passed away Sunday, May 22, 2016 in an Oklahoma City hospital. Services will be 2:00 p.m. Saturday, May 28, 2016 in Walker Funeral Chapel. The family will be at the funeral home Thursday evening from 4-8 p.m. to visit with friends and family. Honorary pallbearers will be the Tecumseh High School graduating class of 1966. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to National Adult Protective Services Association, P.O. Box 96503 PMB 74669; Washington, DC 20090, or visit their website at www.NAPSA-NOW.org. John William “Bill” McGowan was born May 16, 1948 in Kansas City, Missouri to James Everett & Margaret Armstrong (Fletcher) McGowan. Bill was a 1966 graduate of Tecumseh High School, where he played high school football. On May 19, 1972 he married the love of his life, Rebekah “Becky” (Briggs) McGowan. He was a devoted father of four children who he adored and loved greatly. He was a salesman for Shawnee Auto Mall, and attended Grace Community Church of Tecumseh. Bill coached several years for youth athletic activities, was past President of Shawnee High School Quarter Back Club, and served as a board member of Shawnee Youth Baseball. He was a fan of all sports, especially OU football, the New York Yankees, and the Dallas Cowboys. He influenced and helped many young men grow into good men due to his part in their development. Bill was a great role model. He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, mother-in-law Betty Beal Briggs of Seminole, and Uncle Bill Cleek of Shawnee. He is survived by his Wife, Becky McGowan, of the home Children: Daughter Maggie McGowan of Norman, Son and Daughter-in-law Andy & Jodi Goff McGowan of Meeker, Son Matt McGowan of Edmond, Son and Daughter-in-law Sean & Shannon Lewis of Garland, TX Sister and Brother-in-law: Janie and Jerry Gay of Shawnee Brother and Sister-in-law: Bob and Karen McGowan of Oskaloosa, Kansas Sister-in-law and Brother-in-law: Vicki and Jerry Duff of Shawnee Grandchildren: Tommy Williams of Meeker, Trevor Taylor of Eglin AFB. Florida, Crystal Taylor of Meeker, Shi’Ann and Sierra Cox of Meeker, Dakota Lewis of Okla. City, Sierra Lewis of Okla. City, and Madisyn Lewis of Arlington, VA Aunt: Ramona Beal Cleek of Okla. City Nephews: Patrick and Raven Duff of Shawnee, Bobby and Kendra McGowan of Okla. City, Elliot McGowan of Yukon, and Ty Gay Nieces: Julie and Bryon Talton of Shawnee, and Bonnie Lewis Cousins: Terri & Don Santiago of Okla. City, Brian and Alisha Santiago of Okla. City, Brant & Lauren Chill of Edmond, Brian Santiago, Elaina Santiago, Brett Santiago, Avery Chill and Ellie Chill Great Nieces and Nephews: Allie Duff of Edmond, Branden Duff, Jordyn Bailey, Callie Haney, Brooklyn Duff and Savannah Talton, all of Shawnee. ************************************************************* Testament from loved ones: Thank you Dad, thanks for all you have given. Thank you for working tirelessly to provide a life for us. Thank you for teaching me and so many others how to compete and challenge ourselves. Thank you for believing in me. Thank you for teaching me what hard work is. Thank you for teaching me to be a man and fight for what you want. Thank you for teaching me to not take life too serious and love the ones close to you. There are just too many gifts that you have given to me and everyone who had the pleasure of meeting you. You are the best, kindest, sweetest, hardest working, funniest, compassionate, and greatest man I will ever know. I love you Dad! Rest well. Until we meet again. Matthew and Andy McGowan We have your shoulders, your walk, and your infectious laugh. Thank you for being proud of who I became and the sister and brothers you gave me and a mom that I love and cherish. Good night my father and friend. Your fight is over but I will take the call and carry on knowing you loved me and I loved you. Sean Lewis This morning God gained another angel. He was and will always be my daddy, my first true love, my sounding board, my daddy. I'm very grateful for my time with you and will miss you always. The river of tears are for me but, I'm very thankful that you are no longer in pain and I know I have another guardian angel. Love you always Bill McGowan. Be at peace and rest. Maggie McGowan I honestly don't know how to put this in words. I love you and miss you so much! It doesn't seem real, you just can't be gone. I know you're going to be watching over all of us, and I know you're in a better place and no longer suffering. You were a great man, Bill. I sure do thank God for letting you be a part of my life.? Thank you for all the sweet memories I will never forget. Thank you for everything you did for us! RIP Bill, you will be missed.? {5/22/16} Sierra Cox