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BORN
1944
DIED
2012
FUNERAL HOME
Sam McGowen Obituary
Dr. Sam H. McGowen, 68, of Mascoutah, Ill., born Mar. 9, 1944, in Poplar Bluff, Mo., died Wednesday, Nov. 21, 2012, at his residence.
Sam was Superintendent of Schools District 19 Mascoutah, Ill., from July 1994 to June 2012, and a retired Lt. Col. from the Missouri National Guard after 25 years of service.
He was preceded in death by his father, Hubert McGowen.
Surviving is his wife, Sue M., nee Beights, McGowen, whom he married in Puxico, Mo., on Aug. 27, 1988; four children, Bonnie McBurney of Auburn, Ala., Brian (Peggy) McGowen of Dexter, Mo., Sarah (Roy) Phillips of Nokomis, Fla., and Nan (Brad) Beaird of Columbia, Mo.; eight grandchildren, Ryan and Chadd McBurney, Kristan McGowen, Arriel (Cody) Smith, Parke and Ben Phillips, and Leam and Landon Beaird; his mother, Wilma,.nee Allen, McGowen of Puxico, Mo.; two brothers, Jim (Marsha) McGowen of Cape Girardeau, Mo., and Terry (Trish) McGowen of Puxico, Mo.
Memorials may be made to the Mascoutah Food Pantry. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting
mollfuneralhome.com.
Visitation: Friends may call from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 25, 2012, at the Mascoutah High School Auditorium, Mascoutah, Ill.
Funeral: Funeral services will be held 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 25, 2012, at the Mascoutah High School Auditorium in Mascoutah, Ill., with the Rev. Gregory Shanks officiating. Private interment will be held at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis, Mo.
MOLL FUNERAL HOME, Mascoutah, Ill.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Sam McGowen
Don Firebaugh
November 29, 2012
Truly a great officer and gentleman. Will be sadly missed.
COL Will Blaylock
November 28, 2012
An awesome man. I knew him from my time in the 35th Engineer Brigade. Met him again in his role as Superintendent. My dad actually knew him from the Guard and education as well. He will be missed.
Essayons!
Sandra Hakanson
November 26, 2012
A Gentleman and a Scholar are the first two words that come to mind when thinking of Dr. Sam McGowen. Thanks to Patty Peek for introducing me to Sam and Sue only 8 years ago. What a gift to have worked with him on the first community event at the new auditorium. The school is a memorial to his dedication and drive to ensure the best education possible for the students in his care. Sam was devoted to and loved his wife,Sue, his God and his Country. He has definitely left the world a better place for having been in it. His leadership of the Mascoutah educational staff will be reflected in the successess of the students for many years to come. My love and condolences to Sue, his Mother and family. Sandra Hakanson
Col. Fred Jaeckle
November 25, 2012
To the Family. Served Sam in business and with him in the Mo National Guard. He was an individual of special character and compassion. I personally will miss his presence. To LTC McGowen.....Essayons!
Karol West Elder
November 25, 2012
Sue and Bonnie and boys.So sorry to hear of Sam's passing. Please accept my condolences and know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
November 25, 2012
Sammy, I miss the good times we had together as company commanders, staff members and students at C&GS. You made a positive contribution to the Missouri Army National Guard and to students in Missouri and Illinois. Our sincere sorrow and appreciation is extended to your fine family.
LTC William H. Wellborn & Donna
Morganfield, Kentucky
Santa Sam & Kai Brown, Dec 2009
Tricia Peek-Brown
November 25, 2012
Santa Sam & Kai Brown, Dec 2010
Tricia Peek-Brown
November 25, 2012
Santa Sam, Dec 2010
Tricia Peek-Brown
November 25, 2012
Santa Sam and LCC Kids, Dec 2008
Tricia Peek-Brown
November 25, 2012
Santa Sam & Roger, Dec 2008
Tricia Peek-Brown
November 25, 2012
Santa Sam & Kai Brown, Dec 2008
Tricia Peek-Brown
November 25, 2012
Santa Sam & Ethel, Dec 2008
Tricia Peek-Brown
November 25, 2012
Santa Sam & Sue, Dec 2008
Tricia Peek-Brown
November 25, 2012
Santa Claus, Dec 2006
November 25, 2012
Santa Sam and Kai Brown, Dec 2006
Tricia Peek-Brown
November 25, 2012
Dr. Sam, it was an honor knowing you throughout these many years. My prayers go out to Sue and the rest of your family during this difficult time. Thank you for all you have done for the schools and community. My son, Kai, will always remember you as "Santa Claus." Thank you for the wonderful memories. You will be greatly missed.
Penny Kimes
November 25, 2012
What a tremendous loss to family, friends and community, Dr. Sam McGowen was a friend and leader to many. His sense of humor and ease to comfort those around him will not be forgotten. His life deserves to be cherished and his legacy will live on in our hearts forever. Sam was a bigger than life influence and I miss him already.
LTC (R) Don Koonce
November 24, 2012
Dr. Sam McGowen. You were the best boss I ever had (Military or Civilian), and became so much more than that. I learned a lot about life and leadership from you. I am disappointed that we won't get to work together in retirement as we talked of but know that I will keep the lessons learned from you for my life and will continue to share them with young people as you did.
Anna Collier
November 24, 2012
So sorry to hear of Dr. McGowen's passing. It was a privilege to work with him during his tenure in Paris. Rest in peace sir.
November 23, 2012
Goodbye Sam, my thoughts and prayers are with Sue and your family now. God's LOVE endureth forever -What a wonderful thing to know and for "us" to remember at this sad time! Thank you "Santa" Sam for the many smiles you brought to so many children at the Leu Civic Center these many years. We will always remember you and Mrs. "Santa" Sue and the many wonderful kind deeds you did for so many children and families in this community. I thank you and Sue for the support and encouragement you gave me always. Goodbye my friend, you will be missed!
Patty Peek, Executive Director, Leu Civic Center, Inc. Mascoutah, IL
We were at JB on this Veterans day, I took this picture. Bob Hulsey
Bob and Nancy Hulsey
November 23, 2012
Sam and Sue and various pups were a part of our life for 20 years.
Sam was the brother we never had.
He was our best (ever) friend.
God Bless and Keep this wonderful man.
The Freeman Family
November 23, 2012
Our family is deeply grieved by the loss of our dear friend and mentor. We are proud to have played a small role in his life and are grateful for the joy we received through our friendship with Sam. He will live on in our hearts.
Harvey & Lola (Crisel) Fowler
November 22, 2012
Please accept our sincere condolences in this time of deep sorrow. Sam was a fellow classmate of ours and we have very fond memories of him. You and your family should be very proud of his accomplishments in life. Class of 62, Puxico High School.
Larry Elsea
November 22, 2012
Sue, please accept my most heart-felt sympathy. Sam was a dear friend, colleague, and trusted mentor. We spent many Wednesday mornings discussing educational issues over coffee, bacon and eggs. May God Bless the McGowen family.
Charles Jefferson
November 22, 2012
A Brillant leader!! Dr. McGowen will be missed.
Gene Isbell
November 21, 2012
A quote from Dr. McGowen's final newsletter as superintendent in June 2012 says it all about this outstanding man: "Without society's greatest equalizer - the American Public Educational System - all students would not have the chance to improve the quality of their lives and that of future generations. The state and nation can ill afford to squander our most valuable resource - our youth."
Farewell, Sam, you were a great man and you live forever through the students you helped educate.
November 21, 2012
We are sadden by the loss of a good friend and associate. It was always a
pleasure to be in his company and share our past High School Experiences in our native states. May God Bless his Family.
Charles & Sarah Lee
Mascoutah, IL
November 21, 2012
Our thoughts & prayers are with Sue and the entire McGowen family. Chris Louth & The Entire Jack Schmitt Cadillac Dealership
Jimmy Ables
November 21, 2012
Dr McGowen, was probably one of the best school administrators I've ever known. He was a wonderful man dedicated to the education of children in the Mascoutah and Scott AFB communities. He took special interest to ensure children with special needs were given the chance to learn and excel (my family is especially thankful for this).
His stewardship of the districts finances stands him apart from most the local school adminstrators. You don't see Mascoutah laying off teachers in these tough economic times.
To the family thank you for sharing this wonderful man whit us.
He will deeply missed.
Lawrence Meggs
November 21, 2012
Sam was an outstanding educator who
studied the facts before he commented or made a decision. I especially appreciated his untiring efforts to improving education for boys and girls in St. Clair County. He will be missed!
Cindy Doil
November 21, 2012
Our sincere condolences to the McGowen family. May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Read more here: http://www.legacy.com/guestbooks/belleville/guestbook.aspx?n=sam-mcgowen&pid=161177289&cid=full#storylink=cpy
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Moll Funeral Home - Mascoutah34 W Main Street P. O. Box 155, Mascoutah, IL 62258
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