Jerry H. Mcgowan

Jerry H. McGowan, 64, of 11413 Schenenberg Road, Guys Mills, died on Saturday, December 10, 2016 at Meadville Medical Center.

He was the son of Robert and Evelyn Gerard McGowan.

He married Cynthia J. Shank on July 21, 1973 and together they raised 3 children.

Jerry was a 1970 graduate of Randolph-East Mead High School and worked at Seco-Warwick for most of his career. Like many McGowans he loved playing and singing music with a variety of people. He could play country music to southern rock to rock and loved it all. He played drums and sang for many years with his band, The Delegation, and in more recent years could be found sitting behind the drums of his brother’s band, Sierra, while contributing his voice along with his brothers, Bob and Dan (and “adopted” brother Charlie). He enjoyed listening to music and some of his favorite bands were .38 Special and Moody Blues. He participated in many family jam sessions over the years and always had a song or two to sing at the McGowan “Framily” (friends and family) Reunion each summer. He especially loved playing guitar and singing with his children while camping. Jerry would often be found sitting around the campfire eating mountain pies, playing guitar and enjoying his family and friends. Every Christmas he would sing “Christmas in Dixie” by Alabama, it was a family tradition. Jerry loved chocolate and always shared with his family (who helped keep him well supplied), even though the grandkids always knew where to look. He also loved watching football and playing games on his Kindle. Like many McGowans, Jerry was always ready with a handy smile, questionable joke and sharp wit. Jerry left an amazing legacy of love and happiness.

In addition to his wife, Cindy, Jerry is survived by his 3 children, Amy Schott and her husband, Doug, of Coatesville, PA, Tonya Boyer and her husband, Greg, of Coatesville, PA and Ryan McGowan and his wife, Jennifer, of Guys Mills, PA. He is survived by 6 grandchildren who all called him “Pap,” Logan and Keara Schott, Cora and Callen Boyer, and Zachary and Lucinda (Lucy) McGowan, as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins. Jerry is survived by 4 brothers and 2 sisters, Robert McGowan and his wife, Carol, of Guys Mills, PA, Daniel McGowan and his wife, Bev, of Meadville, PA, Thomas McGowan and his wife, Leslie, of Meadville, PA, Kevin McGowan of Titusville, PA, Mary Ann Hartman and her husband, Joe, of Centerville, PA, and Kim Templin and her husband, Marc, of Townville, PA.

He was preceded in death by his parents, stepmother Maxine Check McGowan and a brother, Marty McGowan.

Family and friends are invited to call on Wednesday, December 14, 2016 from 2-4 and 6-8 at Stephen P. Mizner Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., 404 Chestnut St., Meadville and also on Thursday from 9-10 AM at St. Hippolyte Roman Catholic Church, 25997 Route 27, Guys Mills, where a Christian Funeral Ceremony will be celebrated at 10:00 AM with Fr. Daniel Prez, Pastor and Rev. Daniel Howell of Wayland Baptist Church, officiating. All are invited to attend a celebration of his life following the service in the church social hall.

Jerry will be laid to rest in St. Hippolyte Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to the family, C/O Stephen P. Mizner Funeral Home, 404 Chestnut Street, Meadville, PA 16335.

Share a memory or condolence at www.miznerfuneralhome.com