The Reverend Lon Hugh Gowan, 82, of the Allegheny Lutheran Home passed away peacefully Sunday morning at the home. He was born the son of E. Pluribus Unum “Uni” and Madeline Ruth(Price) Gowan in the small town of Upper Shut In, N.C. near Asheville N.C.. In 1973, he married Judy (Koontz) Gowan, who preceded him death on March 18, 2010.

Hugh is survived by his children: Joe Campbell(Gigi) of Altoona; Rebecca Furlong of Palm Harbor, FL.; Sarah Gowan(Bill) of Drexel Hill, PA.; and Lon Gowan(Julie) of Sherman Oaks, CA.; His Sister: Mary Jane Barnett of Asheville, N.C.; His grandchildren: Connor and Ian Campbell, Beth Furlong, and Garrett and Noah Sapsis. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Burl Gowan.

He graduated Brevard College, SMU, and was ordained in 1960. He served many churches in his pastoral life. In 1983, Hugh came to St. John's UCC in Martinsburg, Pa and remained there until his “first” retirement in 2001. A year later, he moved to Altoona and became Interim Pastor of two Lutheran churches. He officially retired from the pulpit on Dec. 31, 2011.

Hugh touched many souls with his southern wit, charm, and grace. He loved to cook and published cookbooks with his wife, Judy. His family, gospel music, sports, food, traveling, and art were passions in his life. He enjoyed his time with the staff and residents at the Lutheran Home because they made him truly feel at home.

At the request of the deceased, there is no viewing. A memorial service by Rev. Ralph Hamer will be held Sunday, October 22, 2017 at 2:45pm in the community room at the Allegheny Lutheran Home: 916- Hickory St. Hollidaysburg, PA 16648. 

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