James Eugene "Gene" McGowan, 75 years of age, of Somerset, Kentucky, departed this life on Thursday, February 14th, 2013 at Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital.

He was born on September 8th, 1937 in Russell County, Kentucky, son of late Wesley and Dona Stevens McGowan. Gene was formerly a welder for Somerset Machine Shop.

Gene was survived by his loving wife, Jolene Adkins McGowan, whom he married on July 12th, 1965 in Jamestown, Tennessee; four sons, James N. McGowan, Chester L. (and Kim) McGowan, Marty (and Tina) McGowan, and Wayne Spears, all of Somerset, Kentucky; five grandchildren, Ryan McGowan of Louisville, Kentucky, Kendra and Joshua McGowan of Somerset, Kentucky, Ashley (and Kyle) Rice of Somerset, Kentucky, and Holly Wilson; four great grandchildren, Ashton Lee Hunt of Monticello, Kentucky, Baylee Rose Triplett of Florence, Kentucky, Fury Sidwell of Somerset, Kentucky, and Cooper Patterson of Somerset, Kentucky; three brothers, Chester L. and Leonard R. McGowan, both of Ohio, and Leon McGowan of Russell County, Kentucky; four sisters, Jeanette McGee of Ohio, Lena Wright of Russell County, Kentucky, Zella Wilson and Adelene Keith, both of Somerset, Kentucky; multiple nieces and nephews; and a host of other family and friends who mourn his passing.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Wesley and Dona McGowan; one brother, J.W. McGowan; and four sisters, Clara Hatfield, Hester Evans, Roberta Grossman, and Fern Shepherd.

Visitations were held on Saturday, February 16th, 2013 after 6:00 p.m. at the Lake Cumberland Funeral Home in Somerset, Kentucky.

Funeral services were held on Sunday, February 17th, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. in the Chapel of the Lake Cumberland Funeral Home with Brother Johnny Dunbar officiating.

Burial followed in the Pine Grove Separate Baptist Church Cemetery in Russell County, Kentucky.

THIS IS A TRIBUTE IN MEMORY OF GENE,

If you could see me now you wouldn't shed a tear, Though you may not understand why I'm no longer there. Remember my spirit, that is the real me because I'm still very much alive, I've just been set free. Oh, if you could only see!

I have held our Father's face and I've touched my Savior's hand. All of Heaven's angels rejoiced as I entered the promised land. Beyond the gates of pearl I've walked on the golden streets.

I've touched the walls of jasper and dipped my foot in the crystal sea. The beauty is beyond words and nothing could compare, I've even seen our Lords mansion and someday I'll meet you there. Let Jesus be your guide because "His Word" will show you the way. So please don't cry because we will meet again someday.