George William Gowan, 88, of Webster Groves, MO, passed away on June 29th, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease.
George was the loving husband of his late wife, Elizabeth “Betsy” Gowan (nee Congleton) and dear stepfather to the late Anne Fergusson Landers (Jim). He is survived by his sons, Bill and Richard (Cathryn), stepson Brian (Karen); cherished grandfather to George, Matthew, Erin, Eaton, Franky, Jack, Ben, Edrie, and Megan; devoted uncle to Tito (Dana), Vicki, Thomas, Jr. (Suzanne), Lisa (Isaac), Greg (Crystal), Debbie (Travis); great-uncle, friend, and neighbor.
George was born on November 12, 1935, to William and Billie (nee Pittman) Gowan in Post, TX. Always a hard worker, at the age of 12, George delivered 300 newspapers every day, earning 1 cent per paper. He got his driver’s license when he was 14 years old and worked at a grocery store as a bagger, stocker, and at the butcher counter, cutting up chickens. George graduated from high school when he was 16. In 1955, he started working at Underwood Typewriter (later Olivetti) making $46 a week. In 1958, he entered the Army National Guard of Texas. In March of 1962, George was transferred to Colorado Springs, Colorado, where he met his first wife, Dianne Roberts (nee Herrmann). They were married in December of 1962. Another transfer, in 1964, brought them to St. Louis. In October 1965, George sat on the steps of the Old Courthouse and watched the final piece of the arch being lifted into place. He worked for Olivetti for 27 years. George met Betsy in 1986, and married in November 1995, after being set up by his son Richard and her daughter Anne, who were friends in high school. They were happily married for 27 years until her death in June of 2023. He retired from Wang Laboratories in the 1990s. After 9/11, George felt compelled to do something for the safety of the country and began a new career at the TSA.
George developed a passion for hockey after the St. Louis Blues started in St. Louis. He learned to skate, became a coach, and played the game. He was a founding member of the Webster Groves Hockey Association. George loved being a grandfather and went to countless games, meets, and concerts. He was talented and loved to help others with their projects, whether that was installing gas lines, rebuilding stairs, or working on Betsy’s honey-do list, he was always willing to be helpful. George was the beloved chef at his son’s 4th of July Waffle Party for many years. He enjoyed tennis with friends, carpentry, cooking for family, and walking their dogs.
Memorial Service will be held at Webster Groves Presbyterian Church, 45 W. Lockwood, on Saturday, July 20th at 10:00 am. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Humane Society of Missouri, an organization George and Betsy felt strongly about.
George was one of the best friends I ever had. I went to work for him at Underwood Olivett in 1966. We used to say we were both going to retire in the year 2000, he would be 65 and I would be 62, I didn’t want to work without him. In later years he would say, when we used to talk about that it seemed so far in the future. We stayed close even after Olivetti closed in St Louis in 1983. We watched each of our families grow. All of my current friends know about George even if they had never met him. I have so many funny, wonderful, loving stories about him. My children still tell memories they have of George when they were little, and even when they are adults. He was a wonderful person to everyone, but especially to me and my family.
Ole King George- you were my favorite and you will be missed more than you could ever imagine! Never will I forget our times together. Love you more than anything!
George was more like a brother than a brother in law. He had a great influence on me as a young man. He treated my parents as they were his parents. In my career when asked to identity the individuals I respected the most he was always on that list. Betsy never missed sending my family a Christmas card, even though we only met a few times. I love him so very much and wish all those who were blessed to have known him my prayers at this most difficult time. He was my brother not my brother in law.
Uncle George became my uncle by marriage and made me feel as if I had been born into his family, I liked him immediately and grew to love him as much as my husband, Dolph. My husband is and always will be his nephew who he had cared for and helped guide many times throughout their long and loving relationship. We loved hearing from him and every communication ended with an invitation to visit him in St. Louis. Uncle George was an easy and kindly gentleman who generously gave of his time and affection to everyone.
Dolph and I always enjoyed our visits with both he and Betsy, especially the time we spent at the Juarez mercado in Mexico. His sense of humor was quick and easy and he loved to chide Betsy and my purchases of ten dollar Rolexes. He was proud of us for bargaining down from twenty dollars and we were always reminded in laughter of our escapades. We miss you Uncle George!!
Vaya con Dios Tio!