Gregory B. Gowdy

Gregory Brent Gowdy, 62, of rural Newton, formerly of Melbourne, passed away unexpectedly on the night of Friday, Jan. 12, 2018, in the peace of his home. A private family memorial will be held. Memorials may be directed to his family. For condolences, please visit mitchellfh.com or call 641-844-1234.

Born on Feb. 16, 1955, in Marshalltown, he was the son of Robert Keith and Shirley Jean (Moar) Gowdy. Greg was raised in Melbourne, and graduated from the West Marshall High School in 1973. Soon after graduating he joined the Iowa National Guard.

Greg was blessed with Debra Sheeder in his life and they have made the past 13 years together as a family along with her son, Jeremy. Greg was first married to Julie Olson in 1974; from this union they had one daughter, Stacy and he later married Mary Van Cleave. In October of 2017, he retired from Bridgestone/Firestone in Des Moines, and worked as mechanic and truck driver. He enjoyed woodworking, gardening and music and was a member of the Sons of the American Legion.

Left to mourn his loss are Debra, his soulmate and companion; his daughter, Stacy Mae Maier of Darien, Ill.; mother, Shirley Adams of Marshalltown; siblings, Michael (Jeannie) Gowdy of Marshalltown, Phillip (Jane) Gowdy of Collins, Robert K. Gowdy of Red Oak, Bruce Gowdy of Melbourne and Nancy Browning of Marshalltown; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and friends. Greg will also be missed by Debra’s son and daughter, Jeremy and Valerie and Valerie’s children.

In death, Greg rejoined his father Robert Keith Gowdy and his grandparents.