L. R. "Skeeter" McGowan

L.R. “Skeeter” McGowan, age 87, passed away peacefully after a severe stroke on April 17, 2025. He was surrounded by his family and friends. Skeeter was born in Tampa, FL on September 15, 1937. As a child, he moved to Tallahassee with his parents B. Lomax and Elga McGowan and brother Brinson. In 1946 his father opened McGowan Electrical Supply and Skeeter eventually became the VP/Co-owner. In the early 70’s Skeeter opened and operated McGowan Lighting Center. He retired from the electrical and lighting business to work in commercial real estate. In 1956 he married Ann Whiddon who he met years before at First Baptist Church. They enjoyed 68 years together. Both attended and graduated from Leon High School in 1955. At Leon, Skeeter was the captain of the track team and excelled in hurdles, pole vaulting, and relay. He attended The University of Florida and remained an avid Gator fan in spite of transferring to FSU and obtaining his bachelors degree from FSU. At UF he was a diver for the swim team and was even encouraged by his coach to train for the Olympics (he declined). While at UF he joined the Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) fraternity and proudly wore his SAE ring for many years. Skeeter was well-known in the community for his many civic leadership positions. He was on the Board of Governors for the National Association of Electrical Dealers (NAED). He served on the board of Tallahassee Memorial Hospital for 9 years and as Chairman of the Board for two terms. He was a founder of the Governor’s Club in Tallahassee and a member of the Exchange Club which he joined in 1966 serving as president from ’77-78. He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed boating, hunting, fishing, scuba diving, and both water and snow skiing. As a private pilot, he flew his family and friends on many vacations and eventually got his commercial license. The family often camped and enjoyed the outdoors together. After retirement, Skeeter enjoyed being on his tractor on his property in Wakulla County. He loved his family, including the dogs; there was always a black labrador retriever family member (with the exception of one Weimaraner). As an enthusiastic water and snow skier, Skeeter helped start the Tallahassee Ski Club which blossomed into a group of over 100 Tallahasseeans who snow skied together annually. As a teenager, he participated in water ski shows on Lake Ella. Having a strong faith, he was a member of East Hill Baptist Church and was active in Mission by the Sea, a church at Alligator Point. He served as Chairman of the Board for over 30 years there. Skeeter is survived by his wife Ann W McGowan, daughters Terri Repasky (Mark), Tammi Taylor (David), grandsons, Keith Westcott (Brooks), Dylan Repasky, Tanner Repasky, and great-grandchildren Lilly Westcott, and Colson Westcott, and his brother Dr. Brinson McGowan (Carol) as well as many extended family members. He was loved and will be missed by family and many lifelong friends. A Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at 10:30 AM at East Hill Baptist Church in Tallahassee. The family will receive friends at East Hill immediately following the service. Casual dress is suggested since Skeeter never liked to dress up. The family would like to thank Dr. Michael Forsthoefel, the staff of TMH, and Hospice House for their caring and support. In lieu of flowers, donations in honor of Skeeter may be sent to East Hill Baptist Church in Tallahassee, FL or Baptist Mid Missions; PO Box 308011, Cleveland, OH 44130-8011. Niki Carney of Bevis Funeral Home (www.bevisfh.com or 850-385-2193) is assisting the McGowan family with their arrangements.

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L. R. "Skeeter" McGowan

September 15, 1937 - April 17, 2025