Carl Edward McGowan, of Phoenix, AZ and Clarksville, TN, went to be with the Lord on March 22, 2020. He was born on August 6, 1934, at home attended by a midwife in Oak Grove, KY, the youngest of three children born to Nathan Roy McGowan and Goldie Lee Lowe McGowan. He moved with family to Clarksville at age 4 where he lived until he graduated from Clarksville High School in 1953 and after working for the Clarksville Leaf Chronicle, he joined the navy.
Carl lived a full life, serving in the navy and Air Force in his earlier years and got to visit such exciting places as Hawaii and Japan. He met and married Jane Doherty during his naval service and after his Air Force tenure, they moved to Phoenix, AZ. They were blessed with three children. He worked for International Telephone and Telegraph, INC from which he retired in 1993. After retirement, he enjoyed driving passengers on tour buses and helping them to enjoy the scenery and their trip.
He developed a love for flying while in the Air Force and later bought his own plane which he enjoyed flying to various places, often back to TN to visit family. As a member of the Fire and Rescue Team of Civil Air Patrol for 21 years, he fought fires by plane. He had a passion for bowling and rose in the ranks of the Pro-Am division.
Carl is survived by his three children: Thane Edward, Nathan Carl, and Jeanine Francis of Phoenix; his two granddaughters, Starlene Cassandra McGowan and Danielle Nadine McGowan. He is also survived by a sister, Frances McGowan Wise and husband, Hugh, of Charlotte, NC. as well as several cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was especially close to his niece, Starlene McGowan Martin and husband, Kerry, of Clarksville where he spent many happy times. He was preceded in death by his brother, Austin, his wife, Willie Mai, as well as a great-granddaughter, Amanda Danielle McGowan. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, April 5, 2020 at 11:00 A.M. at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home. For all those that are unable to attend, the service will be streamed live on Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home Facebook page.
STARLENE MCGOWAN
Grandpa, I’m sorry it’s been so long that I have gone without seeing you. You were an amazing grandfather to me and Danielle. I will miss you so much. Please rest peacefully and watch over Amelia for me until I can join you.
Chio
Thane, Nathan, and Jeanine, I want you to know that we are really sorry to hear about Carl’s passing, he was a wonderful and kind man. His presence will greatly be missed, may he rest in heaven!
Frances McGowan Wise
‘The Circle of Life’ has been completed for my sweet brother. I will miss our times together in person and by phone. My love and sympathy to all our Phoenix family. May God bless all.
Hugh Wise
Carl was widely knowledgeable, had a great sense of humor, and loved his country. Most of all he loved his Lord and Savior, Jesus. I always enjoyed working with him in the yard in Clarksville, TN. He will be greatly missed.
Erica & Ben Kirksey
Having my great uncle Carl come to visit most summers is one of my favorite memories of him. He was always interested in whatever I was into, loved meting my friends, and supported my decision to go into nursing. He was my “cool uncle” who would stay up watching Friends with me and always had a good laugh at whatever goofy thing my friends and I were doing. His smile was infectious, his heart always open, and his laughter made your heart smile. Heaven gained an angel and I know those that have gone before him are rejoicing at being able to be together again. Until we meet again, this side of heaven will miss him dearly.
Starlene McGowan Martin
Thane, Jeanine and Nathan – I want to express to all of you my deepest heartfelt sympathy in the passing of your Dad. I was truly blessed to have had your Dad in my life as my very dear Uncle. He was someone l loved dearly . I have so many wonderful memories of times I spent with him. He always made each visit memorable with his infectious smile, wit, charm and love of family. I will miss those big loving hugs that would always lift me right off the ground and that special twinkle he always had in his eye. We always had a hard time saying good bye so we would just say “till next time “. I’m looking forward till that next time when I will see my sweet Uncle Carl again. I will treasure my memories and Carl will always hold a special place in my heart. May the Lord fill your hearts with sweet loving memories of you Dad.
Amy Miller
I will always remember your smile. You have a wonderful legacy and I know you find peace in heaven.
Suzette Doherty and Dave Janke
Our thoughts are with you. Suzi remembers Uncle Carl’s robust laugh, and that he was very upbeat. She also remembers how much Uncle Carl loved Cousin Nathan’s lasagna!
While we can’t be there today, please know we are thinking of you, and attending via Facebook.
May the warmth of friends and family, and wonderful memories bring you comfort at this difficult time.