Edward J. McGowan Sr.

Edward J. McGowan Sr., beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, veteran, teacher, and faithful servant of God, passed peacefully into eternal rest on July 14, 2025, surrounded by the love and prayers of his family.

Born to the late Angelo B. McGowan and Margaret J. (Erkens) McGowan in Butler, PA, on January 15, 1932, Edward lived a life marked by devotion to his family, his faith, his country, and his vocation.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Patricia (Murphy) McGowan, whom he married on November 28, 1963; his dear fiancée, Verna Craig; his sister, Margaret Hartle; his brothers, Aloysius, Richard, and John; and his daughter-in-law, Cindy McGowan.

Edward proudly served in the United States Army during the Korean War era, attending basic training in Fort Knox, Kentucky, and later stationed at the Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) in Paris, France. He was always so proud of the years he served in the army and loved reminiscing about his time in Paris. His military service shaped a lifetime of humility, discipline, and quiet strength.

After returning home, Edward devoted 35 years to education in the Moniteau School District, where generations of students knew him fondly as Mr. McGowan. Most of his career was spent teaching fourth grade, where his calm presence, strong values, and deep care for students made a lasting impression. He retired in 1996, leaving behind a legacy of compassion and dedication.

A devout Catholic, Edward was a faithful member of Saint Louis Catholic Church in West Sunbury, part of Saint Faustina Parish. His life was deeply rooted in prayer, devotion to the Rosary, and reverence for the Sacred Heart of Jesus. His quiet faith guided his every step and was evident in the way he lived and loved.

Edward is survived by his six children: Edward J. McGowan Jr. (Trina), Eric J. McGowan (Cindy), Mary F. Northcott (Mark), Erol J. McGowan (Shai), Eugene J. McGowan (Aimee), and Mary “Betsy” Coyle (Daniel). He was a proud grandfather to ten grandchildren: Breana Fowler (Nate), Ryan Northcott, Zachary McGowan, Ashlyn Northcott, Bryn Havel (Erica), Daniel “Trey” Coyle, Garrett Havel, Sean Northcott, Lauren Coyle, and Alexa "Lexie" Coyle. He was also blessed with a great-granddaughter, Maya Fowler.

As beautifully expressed in the poem The Dash by Linda Ellis, what matters most in life is not the dates that bookend it, but how we live the time in between. Edward lived his “dash” with grace, generosity, and steadfast faith. He was a quiet pillar of strength to those who knew and loved him.

Friends and family are invited to gather in prayer and remembrance, rejoicing in the promise of the Resurrection at H. Jack Buzard Funeral Home, Eau Claire, on Saturday, July 19, and Sunday, July 20, from 2 - 4 PM and 6 - 8 PM each day.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Saint Louis Catholic Church in West Sunbury on July 21, 2025, at 11:30 AM. Interment with military honors will follow at Epiphany Cemetery.

To send/leave condolences, visit buzardfuneralhomes.com