Clarence McGowan

Clarence “Bud” McGowan, age 92 years of Batesville, Indiana passed away Tuesday January 3, 2017 in Michigan.

Born in Queens, New York, Bud was the son of Clarence and Natalie McGowan.  He was a graduate of the University of Michigan (BA History) and the Columbia Law School.  Bud practiced law in New York City- both in private practice and as a corporate attorney.  While in private practice, he was able to plead a case in front of the US Supreme Court.  He spent 25 years at Mobil Oil as a senior attorney in the international division, including spending 4 years living in London.  Bud served in the US Army during World War II in the 95th infantry division.  He received a battle field commission in 1944 after the battle of Metz where he was also awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart.  While at the University of Michigan, he met Jane Thoms (BS Chemistry).  They were married on August 28, 1948 on the University of Michigan campus in Ann Arbor.

Bud spent much of his working life overseas.  He traveled to over 100 countries in every continent (except Antarctica).  He and his wife, Jane, especially loved their years in London.  In 2014, Bud and his 2 sons (Doug and Ron) took a trip to Greece and Turkey.  They spent several days in Istanbul as well as Athens, which was Bud’s favorite city from his days at Mobil Oil.   In addition, they toured several of the Greek Islands.

Bud is survived by his sister Janet Smith of Batesville, Indiana and his sons Douglas McGowan (Deborah Geiger) of Saratoga, California and Ronald McGowan (Debbie) of Ithaca, Michigan.  He has 3 grandchildren (Jeffrey McGowan (Mary Maurer) of Okemos, Michigan; Laura McGowan of Boulder, Colorado; and Peter McGowan of Ithaca, Michigan).  Bud recently became a great-grandfather to twins: Gavin and Kirra McGowan of Okemos, Michigan.

There will be a memorial service at St. Johns United Church of Christ in Batesville, Indiana on Saturday Jan 21, 2017, at 11:00 A.M.  He will be buried in Greenwood Cemetery, Brooklyn, New York next to his beloved wife Jane.

Online condolences can be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, Ithaca, MI.