Bates Mcgowan

Bates O'Don McGowan "Papa Bates" Bates O'Don McGowan, 82, of Pensacola, FL. passed away Sunday, June 8, 2008. He was born March 30, 1926 in Dothan, AL. Bates was a Great Dad and Husband that loved the water and his boats. He enlisted in the U. S. Navy June 8, 1943 and received a honorable discharge May 28, 1946. Bates married Ruth Cashwell on December 8, 1946 in Blakely, GA. He was a retired sheet metal welder and at the time of his death Bates was a 50+ year member of the Sheet metal Local 441 in Mobile, AL. Bates was preceded in death by his wife Ruth McGowan, his mother Minnie Merle Faile, father Siree McGowan and his step-father J. N. Faile. Survivors include his sons Donny (Lea) McGowan, Tim (Shirley) McGowan, Greg (Teresa) McGowan all of Pace, Florida; Grandchildren Brandy, Corey, Thad, Damien, Cindy, Billy and Patrick; great-grandchildren David and Trister; sister Merlene (Shorty) and Emmit Smith of Blakely, GA. Graveside services will be held at 12 noon Wednesday, June 11, 2008 at Elizabeth Chapel Cemetery, 8008 Chumuckla Highway with Bro. Clarence Brockman officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Tuesday evening from 5 – 7PM. Rose Lawn funeral home is in charge of arrangements. Family and friends are invited to express condolences, share memories and sign the guest book at roselawn-fh.com.

Visitation

Service