Richard was born February 2, 1942 in Kansas City, MO, a son of Willard Robert and Lela May (Davis) McGowen. He grew up in rural Harrisonville, attended grade school at Rodman Rural School #128, and was a 1959 graduate of Harrisonville High School. His passion was art, and after high school he attended college at C.M.S.C. in Warrensburg, MO, studying industrial art. Never one to sit still, he started working towards his black belt in Judo from the Midwest Judo Academy in 1962.
Richard served in the US Army from 1964 to 1966, and then served in the Army Reserves until 1970. Richard was united in marriage to Mary Helen Grijalva on February 26, 1966 in Hurley, New Mexico. She preceded him in death on March 22, 2000. Over the years, Richard worked for Western Electric, the IRS and Fred Horn’s Chap Shop in Harrisonville, but found his true calling when he became a carpenter and could use his artistic abilities building things for other people. He lived at “Prairie Hollow” near Roach, MO for 20 years before moving back to Harrisonville.
Richard was preceded in death by his wife, Mary; and two brothers, Robert and William. He is survived by three sons: Fred McGowen, Harrisonville, MO; Richard L. McGowen II, Tacoma, WA; and Juan E. McGowen, Green Castle, MO; two sisters: Mary Thompson, Harrisonville, MO; and Margaret Coons, Chariton, IA; and seven grandchildren.
