Robert H. Mcgowan

Robert H. "Bob" McGowan, 79, of New Philadelphia, Ohio died Friday evening, Oct. 5, 2012 in the Community Hospice House of Tuscarawas County following a brief illness.

Bob retired from the Masonite Corporation (Marlite) where he worked as a systems analyst for 45 years.

He was born April 27, 1933 in Chicago, Illinois and was a son of the late Harry and Tillie (Kalal) McGowan.

He was a member of the Sacred Heart Church at New Philadelphia. He was formerly involved as a leader of the Junior Achievement Program in Tuscarawas County. He was member and Past Exalted Ruler of the New Philadelphia Elks Lodge, member of the New Philadelphia VFW and had previously been involved with the Jaycees in Lombard, Illinois. He had a "Love Hate" Relationship with the Chicago Cubs. He enjoyed fishing in Cass Lake, Minnesota with family and friends and could often be found on the links for an occasional round of golf. He was always up for a party. He enjoyed helping others and began his career on the ground floor of the computer and internet age and was a "pioneer" in programming and developing flow charts having worked with the original IBM Main Frame. He also proudly served his country for three years in the National Guard.

He will be sadly missed by his wife of 59 years, Louise (Shogren) McGowan with whom he married on May 30, 1953; two daughters, Debbie Aubihl (Jim) Knisely and Denise (Mark) Murray both of New Philadelphia; grandchildren Wes (Laura) Aubihl, Evan (Heather) Aubihl, Joe Murray, Jake Murray, Jenna Murray, and Justin Murray;sisters in law, Fay McGowan and Sandra (Richard) Shogren Fast and a brother in law, Conrad (Bernie) Shogren along with many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Bob was preceded in death by two sisters, Lorraine (Gus) Bobrowsky and Norma (Don) Wyant and a brother, Ken McGowan.

At Bob's request, cremation will take place and a private memorial mass will be held in the Sacred Heart Church at New Philadelphia with Fr.Jeff Coning officiating. There are no calling hours. Those who may wish to express a fond memory of Bob may sign the online guestbook by visiting the "obituaries and flowers" link on the funeral home website at www.tolandherzig.com
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Sacred Heart Church, 139 3rd St. N.E., New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663
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