Willia McGowan

Willia McGowan obituary, Harrisburg, IL

Willia McGowan

Willia McGowan Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Watson Funeral Home - Eldorado on Feb. 8, 2026.
Willia Karen McGowan, 80, of Harrisburg, IL, passed away on February 6, 2026, at Deaconess Midtown in Evansville, IN.

Willia was born in Sturgis, KY, on February 27, 1945, to the late William Russell Vaughn and Willie June Collins and was also raised by her stepfather, LL Moore, after the passing of her father in WWII. She was a graduate of the DeVry Beauty School in Evansville, IN and was a beautician. Willia was a member of the McKinley Avenue Baptist Church and was a member of the Shawnee Hills Country Club where for many years she was in charge of the Ladies Golf League. Willia was also an avid gardener and enjoyed her Thursday card club.

Willia is survived by her husband, Gary McGowan of Harrisburg, IL, sons Kyle (Debbie) McGowan of Harrisburg, IL, and Jason McGowan of Harrisburg, IL, grandchildren Tyler (Michaela) McGowan of Milwaukee, WI, and Jake (Emma) McGowan of Harrisburg, IL, great grandchildren Vera McGowan and Theo McGowan, sisters Lynda (Terry) Maynard of Harrisburg, IL, and Polly Nolen of Harrisburg, IL. She was preceded in death by her parents and sister Joyce Jackson.

As per her wishes, Willia will be cremated and a memorial service will be held at a later date.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

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1517 Locust St, Eldorado, IL 62930

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