William "Bill" McGowan

May 8, 1932 ~ November 13, 2011

Salinas ~ Bill McGowan, age 79, passed away Sunday, November 13 following a brief illness. Born May 8, 1932 in Salinas, he grew up in Monterey and attended Monterey High School. Bill served in the US Navy during the Korean War from 1950 until 1954. Following his honorable discharge, he returned to his roots in the Monterey area where he met and married the love of his life, Donna, and they had three daughters.

Bill worked at Shilling and McCormack from 1967 to 1996 there he made many lifelong friends. After he retired, he took a part-time job at Girardi Bearing Company for 11 years. Bill was an outgoing man who never met a stranger. He was a great conversationalist and storyteller. His interests included Motorcycles, cars and guns but he was most happy when he was in his recliner watching TV.

Bill was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Donna C. McGowan, and his granddaughter,Kacee Van Hoy. He is survived by his three loving daughters and their husbands, Cynthia (Mike) Reagan, Terry (Mark)Van Hoy and Kim (Trace) Ketchum and his granddaughters, Krystyn (Kurt) Harmon, Kate (Mike) Pepper and Karlee and Kimberlee Van Hoy.

Visitation will take place at The Paul Mortuary Chapel this Friday, November 18 at 12:00 Noon with the funeral service beginning at 1:00 PM followed by burial at Monterey City Cemetery. Memorial contributions are suggested to the American Heart Association, 1514-A, Moffett St., Salinas, 93905. Please visit www.thepaulmortuary.com to sign Bill’s guest book and leave messages for his family.

Arrangements under the direction of The Paul Mortuary, Pacific Grove, CA.