Gary Lee Mowen
Born October 8, 1949
Gary Lee Mowen, age 67, of Bear, DE, passed away on Tuesday, August 22, 2017.
Born in Pittsburgh, PA on October 8, 1949, Gary was the son of the late Robert and Norma Adams Mowen. After completing his undergraduate degree at Clarion University in 1971, he made his career as a math teacher for the Wicomico County Public School District. Gary accepted a position with the Wicomico County Corrections Department, where he worked as a GED instructor until his retirement.
An avid sports fan, he was a passionate supporter of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Gary gave of his time by serving as both an umpire for various girls’ softball teams and as a high school football referee in Wicomico County. He also volunteered as a youth sports coach for children with developmental disabilities. In his leisure time, Gary enjoyed flower gardening and visiting Longwood Gardens with his children and grandchildren. He adored being with his family and especially loved attending his grandchildren’s sporting events. A beloved husband, father, stepfather, brother, and grandfather, Gary will be lovingly missed by all.
He is survived by his wife of 15 years, Barbara A. (Gliniak) Mowen; children, Michael Beth Edwards (John) of Frederick, MD, Jeremiah Lee Mowen (Dawn) of Hebron, MD, and Rebecca Falibota (Shane) of Frederick, MD; stepchildren, Michele Youngson (Michael) of Bear and Anthony DiVirgilis (Lorraine) of Newark; siblings, Cherilyn Fry (Herman), who spent every day by her brother’s side at Allegheny General Hospital, and devoted brother, John Mowen, all of Pittsburgh, PA; and 13 grandchildren, Hannah, Jason, Esther, Abigail, Joshua, Simon, Eli, Taylor, Noah, Kyle, Kaleb, Tyler, and Julia.
A gathering for family and friends will be held from 1:00 pm until 2:00 pm on Wednesday afternoon, August 30, 2017, at the Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 1000 N. DuPont Parkway, New Castle, DE, where a memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm. Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Gary’s memory may be made to the Port Penn Cat Colony, c/o Homeless Cat Helpers, PO Box 1234, Seaford, DE 19973 or by visiting https://GivingGrid.com/PPCCSupport.
Lorraine Levering
Gary was something special. Braxton and Brooklyn loved to come visit and talk with him and Ms Barb. They loved your silly jokes. Braxton enjoyed reading with you after school. We all love you and you will be missed by many. Ms Barb, I am sending love and strength to you and your family in this terribly difficult time.
Love,
Lorraine, Rick, Braxton and Brooklyn
Carol Shanor Gregg
Barb, so sorry for your loss. Prayers are being sent for you and your family.
Barb Cain Deaver
Cherilyn et all:
I am so sorry for your loss. Words cannot express how sad it is to lose someone so young, but I hope he is at peace now with the angels !
Love,
Barb Cain Deaver.
CHS ’69
Pat Fazzalare Stauffer
Barb
So sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers to you and your family.
Susan Hazel Derrick
Barb- Thinking of you and your family . What a beautiful video of Gary ! Hoping you find comfort in watching it and reflecting on your love for one another. Sending prayers at this difficult time.
Susan Harrell Whaley
Barb and Family,
I am so very sorry to hear about Gary. I just cannot imagine what you and your family are going through right now. I love the video with all the pictures of Gary, such a handsome man and he has such kind eyes. I especially love the ones on your wedding day, you are both so happy. I wish I could be there to give you a hug and my support, but I will be there in spirit – praying for you all. God Bless
Susan Harrell Whaley
CHS Class of 1971
Sebastian, FL
Teresa Matoni
Barb,so sorry for your loss, prayers for strength and peace. Love you teresa
Patricia Martin
Dear Barb,
May God bless you & your family. I didn’t know Gary but he must have been pretty awesome to grab your attention 15 years ago. Please know the Martin’s are here for you if you need anything.
Much love,
Patti Martin
brenda guhl
Sorry for your loss
Shirley Sheets
Barb and family my heart goes out to you in this time of sorrow. GOD be with you and bless you. All of you are in my prayers!
Connie McKelvey
Wonderful video, Barb. Such a nice guy. He loved you unconditionally and loved life. He and I shared a love of sports. I so enjoyed his stories of coaching and officiating. I am so glad he had his “real” home before he left this world. This world has lost a loving man with more spirit and determination I envy. You will see each other again!
Dr. Rhonda Watkinson Banks
Dear Mowen Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. I have known Mr. Mowen since the late 1970’s as a great teacher and coach.
Mr. Mowen was my middle school science teacher as well as softball coach when I played for NAPA. He was tough, but fair and led by positive example. Coach Mowen instilled confidence in every player, required us to work hard and never give up, modeled and expected great attitudes, and good sportsmanship was mandatory.
As I progressed through high school, I was fortunate to have Mr. Mowen umpire some of my softball games. In later years, I saw Mr. Mowen in action as a referee at football games and wrestling matches as well as umpire girl’s and co-ed softball games. When we would have a chance to talk and catch up, he always discussed how proud he was of his children and their accomplishments.
I can remember vividly the last time I saw him… at a Wi-Hi softball game about 10-11 years ago. I know it’s cliche’ to say, but I wish that I had stayed in touch more. I will never forget the wonderful teacher, coach, and person Mr. Gary Lee Mowen was to so many people. Rest in peace Coach Mowen.
Sincerely,
Rhonda Watkinson Banks, Ed.D.