Talmadge Eugene Gowan

Memorial services for Talmadge Eugene “Gene” Gowan were held Feb. 12, 2004, at Burley Funeral Chapel. Cremation was held with burial at sea under the auspices of the United States Navy.

Talmadge E. “Gene” Gowan died Feb. 9, 2004, at Whidbey Island Manor, Oak Harbor at the age of 83. He was born Jan. 30, 1921, in Denton, Mo., to William and Artie Mae (James) Gowan.

Gene was raised in Steele, Mo. He met Maxine McCarroll in Steele. Gene entered the U.S. Navy during World War II, serving in the Philippine Sea. He was married to his high school sweetheart, Maxine, in Blytheville, Ark. Dec. 9, 1944.

Mr. Gowan’s military career took him to Norfolk, Va., Pensacola, Fla., Memphis, Tenn., Kodiak, Alaska, California and Whidbey Island Naval Air Station. He retired Nov. 4, 1963, as a PR-1 with more than 22 years of military service.

Following retirement, Gene opened G & G Upholstery on Pioneer Way. After five years, he went to work for the NAS Galley as a supervisor and then worked at the NAS Hospital.

Gene loved cooking, sports, working in his yard and he especially loved people and giving to others.

Mr. Gowan was a member of the American Legion, George Morris Post 129, the Fleet Reserve Association Branch 97 and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7392, all of Oak Harbor.

Gene is survived by his wife Maxine at the family home, Oak Harbor; by one son, Ron E. Gowan and his wife Maja of Ferndale, and one granddaughter Tawney Gowan of Seattle. Three sisters, Opal Stewart and family of Blytheville, Ark.; Barbara Gowan of Steele, Mo., and Doris McCullum and family of Columbus, Miss., also survive.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Burley Funeral Chapel.