Benjamin N. Mcgowen

Ben McGowen, 81, passed away on September 3, 2011 at the McGowen Circle Ranch, his home since he retired in 1989. He was born in Globe, AZ on April 7, 1930 to Guy and Jennie McGowen, owners of McGowen Machine Works and the Pioneer Hotel. Ben was a second generation graduate from Globe High School in 1948 and graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Arizona in 1953. After graduation he went to work for Westinghouse Electric Corp. at various locations around the country before joining Westinghouse Repair Division in Phoenix in 1961. He held several positions there over the next 33 years while raising his family in Scottsdale. He served his country proudly in the US Army from 1956-1958 at Fort Detrick in Maryland. Ben married Carolea Faye Hensley on November 23, 1951 in Globe. When Ben was not working, he enjoyed spending his weekends at the family’s ranch in the Sierra Ancha Wilderness Area. He was a member of ASME and life member of the White Mountain Lodge No. 3 F & AM. He supported Maricopa Council of Campfire, Methodist Church, and GHS Alumni Scholarship Fund. He was preceded in death by his parents Guy and Jennie, his sister and brother-in-law Gail and Francis Knuckey, his brother Carl Eugene and a twin brother who died at birth. He is survived by his wife, Carolea (Hensley) McGowen, children Amy Jo Haywood (Doug) of Chandler, AZ and Robert Guy McGowen (Lisa) of Seattle, WA, grandchildren Andrew Haywood of Tucson, Ryan Haywood of Chandler, Mackenzie and Kelsey McGowen of Seattle, WA, cousin Norma Assyd of Payson and other cousins, nieces and nephews. Family and friends are invited to Celebrate Ben’s Life at the McGowen Circle Ranch on Sunday, October 2, 2011, beginning with a luncheon at 1:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials in Ben’s honor to: GHS Alumni Scholarship Fund, UofA College of Engineering, The Crossing Hospice or your favorite charity. All memorials should be sent care of Lamont Mortuary 328 South Hill Street, Globe, AZ 85501. They are assisting the family with arrangements.