Kenny Joe McGowan

Kenny Joe McGowan, 59, of Batesville passed away Tuesday February 9, 2016 at the White River Medical Center. Born February 9, 1957 in Jonesboro, son of Bill and Patty Sue Barnes McGowan. He was of the Baptist faith. Attended Westside School and graduated in 1975 Proceeded in death by: father Bill McGowan, mother Patty Sue Barnes McGowan, sister Cynthia McGowan Finley. Survivors include his wife, Melinda McGowan of the home; daughter, Chancey Smith and husband Scott and grandsons Preston and Brantley of Mammoth Spring; sons, Justin McGowan of Batesville and Michael McGowan of Rose; stepsons: Justin Kelch and wife Teela and children Ryder, Jackson and Noah and Peyton Kelch all of Southside Also daughters Laura Pierce and husband Wesley of Jonesboro and Misty Shearin and Mike of Euless, Tx Niece Samantha White and Nephew Tristan McGowan both of Jonesboro and countless cousins, family and friends. Kenny Joe McGowan was man of many and varied interests. He was a man that could make a dime into a dollar at the drop of a hat. He had many jobs throughout his life but they all related to people in some form or another. He was in retail, a restaurateur, and held every position in a car dealership relating to sales. From general manager to sales selling was what Kenny loved. By far his most loved job, hobby or passion was swapping and trading horses. His biggest thrills came from showing Tennessee Walking Horses and he had the best. He had a most competitive personality as shown by his many blue ribbons and championships in the show ring. Kenny was a Christian and in his youth attended Hermann Baptist Church. Kenny’s love of horses led to him being an important part of many horse related organizations. In the past Kenny had sat on the board of NAWA Horse Show Association and was the president for many years of The Easy Riders Gaited Club at Boydsville. At his death he was a sitting board member of the Hillbilly Horse Show Association. One of his grandest honors was being a board member for the Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders and Exhibitors Association of which he was still a sitting member. His love for family and friends was immense. Kenny had a multitude of life long and current friends which was probably due in part to that radiant smile and his quick, razor sharp wit. Friends, horses and jobs aside, Kenny’s true love was his family. He felt his children were his greatest accomplishment and the love for his grandchildren was all encompassing. He cherished and loved his wife above all others except the Lord. Kenny’s presence, love and friendship will be missed by many but we will see him again one day. The family invites you to feel free to be casual or wear boots and jeans. Funeral service will be Saturday, February 13, 2016 at 1:00 P.M. in the Bryan Chapel with Bro. Jim Simpson officiating. Interment will be in the Herman Cemetery near Bono. Visitation will be Friday at Bryan Chapel from 6 till 8 P.M.

Kenny Joe McGowan

February 9, 1957 - February 9, 2016