Wilber McGowan

Wilber Gene McGowan went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on November 16, 2014 at 1:20 p.m. from Baptist Health Paducah.

He was born at home in Carlisle County Kentucky on March 2, 1932. After graduation, he served in the United States Army during the Korean War attaining the rank of staff sergeant. After returning home, he graduated from Paducah Junior College and married Kay Frances Hooker in 1957.

He was a salesman and retired from HT Hackney at the age of 74. His hobbies included restoring Wheel Horse tractors and watching UK Basketball. He was a member of Lovelaceville Missionary Baptist Church where he previously served as a Sunday School Teacher and Treasurer.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Euva McGowan.

Surviving are his wife of 57 years, Kay McGowan of Paducah, three children, Sherry (Dwayne) Byrd, Julie McGowan, Bob (Missy) McGowan all of Paducah and special extended family Kay Smith and Greg Anderson both of Paducah. He had five grandchildren - Leigh Ann (Marquise) Woods, Jordan (Tabatha) Byrd, Kevin (Karen) McGowan, Cameron (Anna) Byrd, Chandler McGowan and Andrea (Brad) Freadreacea. There are five great grandchildren, Olivia Woods, Brayden Woods, Kyleigh McGowan, Jozalynn and Natron Rhodes. Also surviving are his sisters Robbie (Burl) Upshaw of Paducah, Dorothy (John) Watters of Lovelaceville and Sue (Tommie) Duncan of Lowes and one brother Paul "Pud" (Barbara) McGowan of Lovelaceville. There are also several nieces and nephews. He also leaves his beloved dog and constant companion, Lila.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, November 19, 2014 at the Milner & Orr Funeral Home with Rev. Jared Hayes officiating. Burial will follow at the Woodlawn Memorial Gardens.

Visitation will be 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, November 18, 2014 at the Milner & Orr Funeral Home of Paducah.

Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to the Lovelaceville Missionary Baptist Church, 253 North Broadway, Lovelaceville, KY 42060.