Donald Richard Gowin

May 23, 1929 - January 28, 2021

Donald Richard Gowin of West Plains, Missouri, formerly of St. James, Missouri, passed away Thursday, January 28, 2021 at the age of 91. Donald was born in Kane, Illinois on May 23, 1929 to the late Leslie and Freda (Baum) Gowin. Donald was united in marriage to the late Barbara (Flatt) Gowin on January 25, 1950. This union was blessed with four children. Barbara preceded him in death on July 1, 1983. Donald then married Evelyn Vedder on August 4, 1984. Donald was baptized at an early age, and served in ministry most of his adult life. He was ordained and served churches in Illinois including New Hope Baptist and Virginia First Baptist with Barbara by his side. He then moved his family to Missouri to attend Southwest Baptist College in Bolivar, MO, obtaining his bachelors in theology. After graduation, he served at First Baptist Church in Wyaconda, MO. He became Director of Missions for the Eleven Point River/Shannon County Baptist Association in 1979 and later moved to the Phelps County Baptist Association from which he retired in 1990. He and Evelyn then served as volunteers in Campers on Mission and had a clown ministry. They had the opportunity to travel to Belarus on mission and also traveled to the Holy Lands as well as Peru. He loved the Lord and instilled in his family God's love and mentored others in their faith. He was passionate about his family and moved to West Plains, where he would spend his remaining time being closer to family. He especially enjoyed his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was an avid Cardinal fan and never missed a game. He was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, brother, and friend and will be greatly missed by all that knew and loved him. Donald Richard Gowin was preceded in death by his parents, wife Barbara, wife Evelyn, brother Arnold, sister Mildred, and brothers Raymond and Norman. He is survived by his children, Dennis (Terri) Gowin, of Slidell, LA, Donna Gowin, of Koshkonong, MO, Dirk (Nickie) Gowin, of Louisville, KY, and Dixie (John) Williams, of West Plains MO; grandchildren, Sarah and Anna Gowin, Anthony Gowin, Ryan (Anna) Williams, and Kelsey (Tyler) Moser; 6 great-grandchildren; brothers, Ronald (Pam) Gowin, of Jerseyville, IL, Wilbur (Meda) Gowin, of Jerseyville, IL, and Robert (Anne) Gowin, of Jerseyville, IL; sister, Joyce Tappy, of East Alton, IL, and a host of extended family and friends. Donald proudly served his Country in the United States Army during the Korean war and will receive full military honors at a graveside service to be held on Tuesday, February 2, 2021 at 1PM at the St. James Cemetery in St. James, Missouri. Memorials are suggested and greatly appreciated to The American Cancer Society, American Diabetes Association, Phelps County Baptist Camp, or Sandy Creek Baptist Church Camp in Green County, Illinois. Cards are available at all James & Gahr locations. For online condolences please visit www.jamesgahrmortuary.com