Ronald D. “Ron” McGowen, 75

October 21, 2019

Ronald D. “Ron” McGowen, 75, of Lancaster, passed away October 21, 2019 surrounded by family at Hospice & Community Care. He was born in 1944 in Warsaw, Indiana, to the late Margaret Stultz Baughman and Harold McGowen. He was the husband of Lynn Taviner McGowen with whom he was married to for 51 years.

In addition to his wife, Lynn, he is survived by two children; daughter, Yvette Downey, wife of Eric of Plymouth, IN, and son, Heath McGowen, fiancé of Jackie Jackson of Hummelstown, PA, grandchildren; Kelsey Danz, Keaton Danz, Samantha and Shalee McGowen, Amy Danz, Ryan Danz, Tim Keininger, and great-grandchildren; Kellan, Brielle, and Elijah. Ron is also survived by two sisters; Sharon Ringle (Gary) and Beverly Howton. In addition to his parents, Ron was preceded in death by his brother, Danny McGowen, and his brother-in-law, Mike Howton.

Ron graduated from Argos High School in 1962 where he was a star athlete, Lettering in both basketball and shotput. His Argos Letterman’s Jacket has been donated to the Marshall County Museum, where you can often see it on display. Ron remained an avid sportsman all his life. He bowled on many teams and earned a high score of 289. Ron also enjoyed playing basketball and bailing hay at his brother-in-law’s farm in Argos, fishing with family and friends, and playing softball for many years as a member of The Plymouth Moose Lodge. Ron was an ardent golfer. His golf buddies were like brothers to him and he cherished their many golf trips together.
Ron worked for RR Donnelley Printing for 48 years, first for the Warsaw, Indiana plant, transferring to Lancaster in 1983. Ron retired from Donnelley in 2010. After retiring, he started attending a “breakfast club” once a week with his best friend, Bob, and other Donnelley retirees, which he looked forward to many days in advance. He also picked up a part time job at Advanced Auto delivering parts.

Ron was also a proud veteran of the National Guard, in which he served for six years.

Grandkids were his favorite thing in life and it showed – he was the best grandfather ever! Over the years, he spent many hours playing with his children and grandchildren in the water at Pretty Lake, the beach, and his backyard pool. Ron enjoyed hosting family reunions and holiday get togethers and going on memorable vacations with his loved ones throughout the United States.

A Memorial Service will be held Monday, October 28, 2019 at 11:00am at Charles F. Snyder Jr. Funeral Home & Crematory at 3110 Lititz Pike, Lititz, PA 17543. Guests will be received during a time of viewing starting at 10:00am. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions in Ron’s memory to Hospice & Community Care at 685 Good Dr., Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604.