Chester “Rick” McGowen, 50, of Clyde died Thursday, February 2, 2023, in an Abilene hospital.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Monday, February 6, 2023, at Clyde Church of Christ with David Peterson officiating under the direction of Bailey Howard Funeral Home of Clyde. Burial will follow in the Clyde Cemetery.
Visitation will be from 2:00 until 4:00 p.m. Sunday, February 5, 2023 at the funeral home.
Rick was born June 1, 1972, in Abilene to Cary Sidney “Hoot” and Betty Jean (Waggoner) McGowen. He graduated from Clyde High School and lived the majority of his life in the Clyde area except for a few years he lived in Coleman. He married the love of his life, Ashley Smith, in Coleman on May 20, 1995. He owned and operated McGowen Auto in Clyde from 2017 until 2020. In 2020 he was elected Callahan County Commissioner and was currently serving the county. Rick was a mechanic by trade all of his life and always assisted with the Clyde Volunteer Fire Department, Texas Forest Service, Callahan County Sheriff’s Office and the Clyde Police Department. He was a member of the Clyde Church of Christ.
He is survived by his mother, Betty Jean McGowen of Clyde; his wife of almost 28 years, Ashley Smith McGowen of Clyde; two daughters, Paige McGowen Savell and husband Taylor of Clyde and Kaitlin McGowen Eubanks and husband Christian of Clyde; brother, James Miller and wife Terry of Hawley; sisters, Jeanita Miller, Denise Miller and his twin sister, Renea McGowen Hedden and husband Jody, all of Clyde; eight grandchildren, Syndee, Joycelynn and Parker Eubanks, Journeigh, Tristen, Kayden, Adalynn and Makenlee Savell; mother-in-law, Joyce Smith of Coleman; brother-in-law, Patrick MacNeal of Coleman; close family friends, Terry Chari, Bodee and Case Cato and numerous other family and friends.
Rick was preceded in death by his father, Hoot; sister, Lori Swan; brother, Larry Miller and granddaughter, Josiegh Ann Savell.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to your local volunteer fire department.
Online condolences may be made at https://www.bailey-howardfuneralhome.com
