He was born April 12, 1926 in Texline, Texas and was raised by his grandmother Suella Stewart. Forced to leave the Texas panhandle by the Great Depression they joined the rest of the Stewart family who had gone ahead to Dayton. Troy grew up with the Stewart boys, Bill, Dub, Charley, Jack and Tom who all mutually considered themselves as brothers. Later in life they owned and operated the Stewart’s Supermarkets in Pendleton, Hermiston and Umatilla.
After serving in the United States Navy in World War II, he came home and married his grade school sweetheart Deanie Rae Lamb July 26, 1946 in Salem, Oregon. He graduated from Willamette University in 1949. Troy went on to serve in the United States Army during the Korean War and served his tour in Panama. He came home a 1st Lieutenant.
Troy was active in the Masonic Lodge Tuscan #136 in Umatilla, The Shriners, The Scottish Right of Baker Valley, and the Eastern Star. His accomplishments in these organizations are too numerous to mention.
He loved to fish and hunt and travel with his Airstream trailer pulled by his old Ford pick-up truck and spending many summers with Deanie on the Yellowstone. He loved to ride and he loved to shoot and he could do both at the same time.
He is survived by his children, Troy M McGowan and his wife Judi of Salem, Kathie McGowan of Heppner, Janet Taylor and husband Joe also of Heppner. Eight grandchildren, Troy McGowan IV, Patrick McGowan, Julie Taggart, Tracy Lehman, Trent Moses, Seth Moses, Kyle Moses and Crysti Taylor. Also, numerous great-grandchildren, a few great-greats, and a multitude of nieces and nephews. Troy is also survived by his companion Shirley Donovan of Boardman who remained faithfully by his side for eighteen years.
Troy was preceded in death by his wife Deanie in 1989. He was also preceded in death by his brothers Bill Stewart, Charley Stewart, and Jack Stewart.
Troy was a good soldier, a good Mason, and a good man. He will be missed by all he touched.
Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to the Shriner’s Hospital or the charity of your choice.
A graveside service with military honors will be held on Saturday, Feb. 18, 2017 at 2 p.m. at the Sunset Hills Cemetery in Umatilla.
Please sign the online condolence book at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
