Obituary: Joseph F. Gowern, Civic Leader, Long-Time Canon-McMillan Teacher

Joseph F. Gowern, 75, died Friday, Sept. 14, 2012 in his home surrounded by his family.

He was born Feb. 1, 1937 in Canonsburg, a son of Robert Frederick and Mildred Rankin Gowern.

Mr. Gowern was a 1954 graduate of Canonsburg High School, 1958 graduate of California Teachers College and received his master’s degree from West Virginia University.

He taught industrial arts in the Canon-McMillan School District for 35 years, retiring in 1993. He had also served as track-and-field and cross-country coach from 1958 until 1972. He was the chief administrator of the Tri-State Track and Coaches Association, foundation supporter of the yearly track scholarship award to track athletes through the Community Scholarship Foundation of Canon-McMillan, and foundation supporter of the Jonathan Levi Gowern Martin Scholarship—which is awarded yearly to a student at McGuffey High School. He was active in union politics for the Canon-McMillan Education Association and the Sports Arena Employees’ Local 137.

Mr. Gowern had also worked in the admissions department of The Meadows Racetrack for 35 years.

He was a civic leader, his accomplishments include membership in: Washington County Redevelopment Authority, where he was a former chairman, Canonsburg Zoning Hearing Board, Canonsburg Oktoberfest, Canonsburg Renaissance Committee, Greater Canonsburg Heritage Society, Jefferson College Historical Society, the John McMillan Log Cabin preservation project committee, California Alumni Association, and Canonsburg Borough Council (where he served as president and interim mayor). He also served as a Democratic committeeman for the second ward of Canonsburg.

He was a member of the Canonsburg United Presbyterian Church, where he was a former Deacon.

His hobbies included NASCAR, daily socializing with his many friends, involvement in community activities and associations, being an advocate for the Autism Society, and most importantly, spending time with his grandchildren.

On Nov. 24, 1954, he married I. Eileen (Libby) Hatfield, who survives.

Also surviving are: three daughters, Lisa Ann Knupp (Clyde) of Canonsburg, Sherri Lynn Martin (Doug) of West Alexander, and Lori Sue Warabow (John) of Eighty Four; five grandchildren, Heather and Kyle Knupp, Zachary Martin and Joseph and Elizabeth Warabow, and a sister, Linda Carter (Dick) of Bethel Park.

Deceased are: An infant daughter, Mary Beth; a grandson, Jonathan Martin; and a sister, Jane Gray.

Friends will be received from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. today, Tuesday, Sept. 18, at the McIlvaine-Speakman Funeral Home located at 27 Cherry Ave. in Houston, PA.

Services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 19, 2012 in the Canonsburg UP Church with the Revs. Donald Austin and Steven Parkhill officiating. The family asks that everyone meet at the church. Interment will follow in Oak Spring Cemetery. The family suggests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to: Amedisys Hospice Services, 2215 Hill Church Road, Canonsburg PA 15317; Autism Speaks, 1060 State Road, Second Floor, Princeton NJ 08540 or the Greater Washington County Food Bank, 1010 state Route 519 in Eighty Four, PA 15330.

For more information or to leave online condolences, please visit the funeral home website here.