Dr. Sam McGowen

MASCOUTAH, Ill. -- Dr. Sam H. McGowen, 68, of Mascoutah died Wednesday, Nov. 21, 2012, at his home.

He was born March 9, 1944, in Poplar Bluff, Mo.

Sam was superintendent of School District 19 in Mascoutah from July 1994 to June 2012.

He retired as a lieutenant colonel with Missouri National Guard after 25 years of service.

Survivors include his wife, Sue M. Beights McGowen, whom he married Aug. 27, 1988, in Puxico, Mo.; four children, Bonnie McBurney of Auburn, Ala., Brian (Peggy) McGowen of Dexter, Mo., Sarah (Roy) Phillips of Nokomis, Fla., Nan (Brad) Beaird of Columbia, Mo.; eight grandchildren, Ryan and Chadd McBurney, Kristan McGowen, Arriel (Cody) Smith, Parke and Ben Phillips, and Leam and Landon Beaird; his mother, Wilma Allen McGowen of Puxico; two brothers, Jim (Marsha) McGowen of Cape Girardeau, and Terry (Trish) McGowen of Puxico.

He was preceded in death by his father, Hubert McGowen.

Visitation will be from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday at Mascoutah High School Auditorium.

The funeral will be at 4 p.m. Sunday at the high school, with the Rev. Gregory Shanks officiating. Private interment will be in Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis.

Memorials may be made to Mascoutah Food Pantry.

Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting mollfuneralhome.com.