Jerry Don McGowan, son of the late John Raymond and Iola Laverne (Toots) Wilson McGowan was born on February 21, 1938 in Black Oak, Arkansas and departed this life on December 30, 2023 at his residence in Bernie at the age of 85.

Jerry Don worked most of his life as a carpenter and musician in the Bernie area.

On February 23, 1957 he was united in marriage to Shirley Louise Nichols in Mississippi. Mrs. McGowan preceded him in death on June 28, 2020.

He is survived by their son, Joey McGowan of Bernie, Missouri; by their two daughters, Jill McGowan of Bernie, Missouri, and Mary Beth McGowan of Bernie, Missouri; by their daughter in law, Michelle McGowan of Dexter, Missouri; by fifteen grandchildren, twenty-four great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild; by four brothers, Jackie McGowan and wife Helen, Johnny McGowan and wife Betty, Jeffery McGowan and wife Karen, and Jan McGowan all of Bernie, Missouri; by one sister, Margie Brown and husband Dave of Elgin, Illinois; by one sister in law, Darlene McGowan of Bernie, Missouri; by his late wife’s sister, Sherian Nichols Todd and husband Jamie; also by many other extended family and friends.

Other than by his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by their two sons, Justin McGowan and Jed McGowan; by their grandsons, Jared McGowan and Jonathan McGowan; by their great-grandson, Myles Gooch; and by his brother, Jimmy Joe McGowan.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, January 2, 2024, from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at the Mathis Funeral Home in Bernie, Missouri. Funeral services will be conducted on Tuesday, January 2, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. in the Mathis Funeral Chapel with Stan Dauck officiating. Interment will follow in the Bernie Cemetery.

Mathis Funeral Home in Bernie assisted with arrangements.