Thomas McGowan Obituary

Thomas George "Tom" McGowan

Sep 23, 1946 - Aug 5, 2023

Sandusky

Thomas G. "Tom" McGowan, 76, of Sandusky, passed peacefully Saturday, Aug. 5, 2023, at his home.

Tom was born Sept. 23, 1946, in Port Clinton, the son of William Frank and Carolyn Theresa (Purpero) McGowan. He was baptized Oct. 31, 1946, and received his First Holy Communion on June 9, 1957. He graduated from Port Clinton High School in 1965. While in high school, he wrestled and was a member of the 1962 football team which was inducted into the PCHS Athletic Hall of Fame. He graduated in 1971 with a Bachelor of Arts degree from Xavier University, Cincinnati. Tom owned and operated three swimming pool stores (Ohio Pools) for many years and later joined the Erie County Court of Common Pleas as a courtroom bailiff until his retirement. Tom served on the Community Corrections Board for 10 years.

He was a member of Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church where he served as a leader of multiple faith formation groups such as RCIA and Landings. Recently, a significant part of his life was spent in personal daily prayer for family, friends, and acquaintances. He was active in local theater both on and off the stage at Harlequins, Sandusky, and Town and Country Theatre, Norwalk. Tom also wrote plays that were produced in various theaters around Ohio. He had a great love of music and appreciated listening to many styles and sharing those with his family. Throughout his lifetime, he was a prolific reader. Tom was a long-time member of the IAB Club in Sandusky. He was an avid sports fan of The Ohio State Buckeyes, Cleveland Browns, and Cleveland Guardians, but his favorite sports to follow were those of his three grandchildren. Tom also enjoyed cooking for his family, horse racing, boating and fishing. He was also a competitive weightlifter for many years.

Tom is survived by his son, Charlie (Dina) McGowan; three grandchildren, Maggie Rose McGowan, Carl Thomas McGowan, and Gretchen Constance McGowan; and Charlie's mother, Carol Jackman (Craig Jackman) and her son, (Charlie's brother) Jerry Batcha.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers, William F. McGowan Jr. and John McGowan.

Visitation will be 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 17, 2023, at David F. Koch Funeral and Cremation Services, 520 Columbus Avenue, Sandusky. Tom's funeral starting with eulogies and a reading by the family and friends will be 9:30 a.m. Friday, Aug. 18, 2023, at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, 510 Columbus Avenue, Sandusky. Mass of Christian burial will follow at 10 a.m. Friday with Fr. Matt Frisbee officiating. Burial will be at Riverview Cemetery, Port Clinton.

The family suggests that memorial contributions may be made in his memory to Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, 510 Columbus Avenue, Sandusky, Ohio, 44870.

Your memories and words of comfort may be shared with Tom's family at davidfkoch.com.