Elmer G. McGowan

Every day Elmer checked the local obituaries for his name and then adjusted his schedule accordingly.  On Sunday, December 10, he finally saw his name.  And we, his children, adjusted our schedules accordingly. 

            Elmer G. McGowan; U.S. Army veteran, retired farmer and school bus driver, originator of a thousand stories, and resident of Oxford for nearly all of his 82 years passed over to the other side peacefully and in the loving embrace of his two children, surrounded by three generations of loved ones.  This man, always with a good story at the ready, now relies on us to continue the tale.

            A cantankerous and entertaining man who always left an indelible impression, he rode into the sunset leaving behind two amazing children, Chad McGowan and Margo (Kraig) Barrows; three even more incredible grandchildren, Caleb, Natalie, and Madalyn; wife Sharon, five nieces and nephews, numerous cousins who decided to hang on a bit longer, and countless friends semi-adopted into the McGowan clan.  Of special note, thank you to his first and favorite niece Tammy.  Our gratitude for everything that you did over the past decade to help Dad enjoy his remaining years and, more importantly, continue to be relevant and needed.

            We ask you to join us noon Friday at the Faith Bible Church, 45 Butler Street in Oxford (Route 220), to swap stories, embellish tales of Elmer, and celebrate a man who touched so many.  There will be tears.  There will be laughter.  There will be awkward moments.  But mostly, there will be love.

            In lieu of flowers, we ask that you donate in his name to the Oxford FFA, and also express gratitude to a farmer by donating warm gloves or barn boots, or even with a simple ‘thank you’.