Jackie "Jack" McGowan

Jackie "Jack" McGowan Sr., 86, Kokomo, passed away at 1:21 P.M. on Sunday, June 9, 2013 in his home. He was born in Blunt County, Alabama on April 14, 1927 to the late William M. and Leona L. (Elkins) McGowan. On October 9, 1946, Jack married Annie B. Todd, and they were happily married until her passing on January 30, 2006. Jack served with the Navy early in life, and was a prisoner of war during WWII. During his military career he earned seventeen Bronze Stars, three Silver Stars and several other medals. Jack worked several different occupations throughout his life, some of which include working at the Y.M.C.A and as a mechanic at Eric Chevrolet. Jack attended the St. Luke United Methodist Church, was a member, commander, Chaplin and rites volunteer at the V.F.W. Post 1152, member of the American Legion, Kokomo Eagles, Kokomo Police Handicap Patrol, Asphalt Templers and a lifetime member of the Vietnam Vets. He also regularly volunteered at the Marion V.A. Hospital. Jack is survived by his children, Jack (Martha) McGowan, Michael (Carol) McGowan Jr., Sherill (James) Woodbury and Susan (Kevin) Marsh; 38 grandchildren, 31 great grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren, 3 sisters, 1 brother; wife, Gloria McGowan, and step children and step grandchildren. Jack was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Annie B. McGowan; a son, Ira McGowan, and several brothers and sisters. Jack's friends and family are welcome to join together for a time of visitation at Ellers Mortuary Webster Street Chapel, 3400 South Webster Street, Kokomo, Indiana, from 11:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. on Thursday, June 13, 2013. There will be a funeral service for Jack beginning at 1:00 P.M. that same day, also at the mortuary, with Rev. Kevin Marsh officiating. Following the funeral service, we will be taking Jack to Sunset Memory Garden Cemetery, Kokomo, where he will be laid to rest with military rites provided by the Kokomo VFW and United States Navy Military Rites Teams.