Jerry D. Mcgowan

Jerry Dale McGowan, 73, of Peoria, passed away on Thursday, September 7th, 2017, at 7:30a.m., at the OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home.

He was born on December 3rd, 1943, in McLeansboro, Illinois, to Dale William McGowan and Ellen Marie Todd McGowan. He later married Lindsay Moore Anderson in Peoria on May 21st, 1976. She survives. They met while doing cruelty and neglect investigations for the Peoria Humane Society.

Also surviving are his two children, Brennan Anderson (Mark) Rapach of Dunlap, IL, Morgan Sprenger (Angie) McGowan of Brimfield, IL; brother, Rick (Barbara) McGowan of Canton, IL; and 4 grandchildren (Luke R., Adam R., Brittany McG., and Hailey McG.).

He served in the Army during the Vietnam War, where he was honorably discharged at the age of 24. He earned the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Marksman Badge (Rifle), Good Conduct Medal, and Combat Medic Badge.

He came to Peoria and accepted a job as a mental health counselor at Zeller Mental Health Center. Over the years, Jerry became interested in making Art Glass. Following his dreams to become a business owner, he and two others established Stained Glass of Peoria. Later, he and his brother, Rick, became co-owners. Jerry retired after 35 years.

Jerry was an avid hunter and fishermen. He loved spending time in the outdoors with his family. His favorite "color" was camouflage.

A Celebration of Life will take place at Bass Pro Shops, Uncle Buck's, in East Peoria, on Sunday, September 17th, from 1:00pm to 4:00pm. In accordance with his wishes, Mason White Funeral Home in Washington, IL will handle his cremation. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Amvets Peoria Post #64, 237 NE Monroe St Peoria, IL 61602. To share memories and condolences with the family, visit www.masonfuneralhomes.com.