Thomas McGowen

PUXICO, Mo. -- Thomas Wesley "Tom" McGowen, 78, of Puxico died Wednesday, Oct. 3, 2001, at Puxico Nursing Center.

He was born July 27, 1923, at Dudley, Mo., son of Willie and Janie Craft McGowen. He and Evalee Maddox were married June 15, 1946, at Poplar Bluff, Mo.

McGowen was a retired bus driver and custodian, working for Puxico Public Schools 32 years. He was inducted into the Southeast Missouri Amateur Baseball Hall of Fame in 1999.

He was a member of the Church of Christ, VFW Post 7822, and life member of Disabled American Veterans.

A veteran of the U.S. Army, McGowen served in the European, African and Eastern theaters. He received the Victory Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Purple Heart, Bronze Star, and three overseas bars.

Survivors include his wife; two daughters, Vicki Barnfield and Robin Martinez; a son, Rick McGowen; a brother, Cecil McGowen, all of Puxico; five grandsons; two great-grandsons; three stepgrandchildren; and seven great-stepgrandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, five brothers, and two sisters.

Friends may call at Watkins and Sons Funeral Home in Puxico after 6 p.m. today. A VFW service will be held at 7.

Funeral will be at 1 p.m. Friday at the funeral home, with Terry Stockman officiating. Burial will be in Rock Hill Cemetery near Puxico.