Robert Gowen

GOWEN, Mr. Robert
Portage Robert passed away suddenly and went to be with the Lord Saturday, November 1, 2008, in Kalamazoo. He was born February 7, 1931, in Chandler, IN, a son of Claude S. and Virginia B. Douglas Gowen. Robert graduated from Boonville High School in Indiana in 1949. From 1951 to 1955 he served in the US Navy as a corpsman. Robert lived in Kalamazoo for the past 60 years where he worked in sales for various plywood manufacturers, retiring from International Paper Co. in 1995. Bob was a man of great integrity; a wonderful father, husband and friend. Bob loved time with his family and friends. Bob was an avid trap and skeet enthusiast. He had a great love for college sports, especially basketball. Bob will be greatly missed. Robert was preceded in death by his parents and a son-in-law, Kenneth Draayer. On May 7, 1994, he was united in marriage with the former Jodi Goodrich, who survives. Also surviving are: three children, Sherrie R. Thomas Dueweke Draayer, Brett A. Gowen and Deana J. Kenneth Crane, all of Portage; eleven grandchildren, Alex Draayer, Meredith Draayer, Caroline Draayer, Eric Gowen, Alan Gowen, Brett Gowen, Kyle Gowen, Chad Crane, Kristina Crane, Todd Megan Crane and Nikki Crane; a brother, Gary Gowen of N. Miami, FL: father- and mother-in-law, Ron and Donna Goodrich of South Haven; sister- and brother-in-law, Pam and Mark Visser of Kalamazoo; a special cousin, Beverly Goldsmith of Kalamazoo; several nieces, nephews; and many life long friends. Friends and family will gather for visitation on Tuesday from 2-4 & 6-8pm at Langeland Family Funeral Homes Westside Chapel, 3926 South 9th St. Services will be held 1:00 Wednesday afternoon at Second Reformed Church, 2323 Stadium Dr., with Rev. Donald DeYoung, officiating. Private interment in Genesee Prairie Cemetery will be held later. Memorials should be directed to the American Diabetes Association. www.langelands.com 269-343-1508