James 'Wes' Wessley Mcgowan

James Wessley McGowan was born February 24, 1933 on the family farm near Bendavis, MO, to the late Hayward and Ollie McGowan. He passed away in his home, September 12, 2014 after a long battle with lung disease. He lived 81 years, 6 months and 19 days.

Wes grew up on the family farm near Bendavis where he learned the value of hard work and perseverance. He attended the little country school, Dunsmore, and went on to Mtn. Grove High School until he enlisted in the Navy 6 weeks before graduation. Being the 3rd of 8 children, one can only imagine the mischief, mishaps, and interactions that transpired in this large family. It was no secret to those around that Wes was Ollies baby and Wes was plenty pleased to work that for all it was worth. With the company of older brother, Bud, Wes mastered the art of heckling and finding joy entertaining those around him with his endless, witty sense of humor. The wonderful Hospice team would verify that he kept his mischievous personality to the very end. Wes loved a homemade pie, and he offered to bake many a pie for folks that he rarely delivered. If you spent any time around him, you are sure to have a story of some funny way he spoke to you, name he called you, or ornery interaction of which he found quite humorous.

Wes married Modene Dooms in 1966 and they made their homes in McGowanville in the Bendavis area where Wes worked hard as a dairy farmer for 31 years. With the purchase of each new farm, Modenes decorating skills were developed as she spruced up each of the farm houses. He raised beef cattle for the last 8 years before retiring and moving to town. Even though farming produced a good living, Wes would frequently say that he hated every minute of the grueling hours of that kind of work.

Wes and Modene were blessed with one precious daughter, Payge, who he affectionately referred to as Tweety because of her innocent, little 2 year old effort to say sweety. Over the years Wes brought home Tweety Bird gifts of every kind that he could find. From an early age, Payge was entertained by taking pictures with Wes as the subject. He couldnt resist a clever pose, so Payge has few pictures of her dad that dont have some silly face or gesture. The thrill of Wess life was his three wonderful grandchildren, Blake, Colby, and Cheyann, each with their own special attachment to their fun-loving Papa. Oh the stories of indulgence and fun that each of them will treasure.

Besides his parents, Wes was preceded in death by three brothers: Bud, Pat, and Ron; two sisters: June Riedesel and Charlene Smith; special brother-in law and friend: Jerry Stigall; and an infant brother.

Survivors include siblings: Nadine Cantrell of Springfield, Missouri, and Jaxie Merchant of Graff, Missouri; Daughter: Payge Stuart and husband, Howard, and their three adorable children: Blake, Colby, and Cheyann; his brothers-in-law: Don Dooms, Delmar Dooms, and Alvie Dooms; and one sister-in-law: Charlene Medlock. He will be missed by many other special neices, nephews, relatives, and friends.

A special thank you to the loving care givers from Three Rivers Hospice who made the last months of his life as pleasant and peaceful as possible.
Thank you, to each of you who have prayerfully supported and encouraged the family in this journey. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to: American Cancer Society or donors choice.


Visitation: Sunday, September 14, 2014 from 4:00 - 6:00 PM in the Chapel.

Funeral Service: Monday, September 15, 2014 at 2:00 PM in the Chapel.

Burial: Rock Springs Cemetery