McGowan, John Lewis Sr. (Cleveland)

John Lewis McGowan, Sr. age 86, of Cleveland, Tennessee, passed away Sunday, November 28, 2021 at his residence with his family present.

John was born Jan. 17,1935 in Roanoke, Va. He was the son of the late Charles E. Sr. and Mildred Hague McGowan and was also preceded in death by his son, John McGowan, Jr.; his sisters, Ruby Cross and Christine Richardson; and brothers, Paul, Grant, Calvin and Charles McGowan, Jr.

John was in management for supermarkets and restaurants and later in life became an evangelist for the Church of God of Prophecy. He loved sports and was a huge fan of Tennessee basketball and football.

John is survived by his loving wife of 66 years Mary Louise Castle McGowan; his daughters, Connie Starnes and her husband Ed of Cleveland, Teresa Vincent and her husband David of Cleveland. He was also survived by his grandchildren, Kelli Gontarek, Christopher McGowan, Amanda Malsky, Josh Merritt, Stephanie Merritt, Justin and Sloane Kennedy, Courtney (Dane) Johnston; a host of nieces and nephews; and special friends Charlie and Lil Pierson.

A Remembrance of Life Service will be held on Thursday, Dec. 2, at 2 p.m. at Jim Rush Funeral and Cremation Services North Ocoee Chapel with the Rev. Mitch Maloney officiating. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens with Justin Kennedy, Dane Johnston, David Vincent, Jim Castle, Bill Castle and Christopher McGowan as casket bearers. A dove release will conclude the services.

The family will receive friends from 12-2 p.m. Thursday at the Jim Rush Funeral and Cremation Services North Ocoee Chapel who has charge of the arrangements.

You may share your condolences and your memories with the McGowan family at www.jimrushfuneralhomes.com.