Thomas F. McGowan

Thomas F. McGowan

June 22, 1936 – March 27, 2023

MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL: Monday, April 10, 2023, 10:00am, at Christ the King Catholic Church, 654 S 86th St.

Memorials are suggested to Jesuit Academy and Heart Ministries.

To view a live broadcast of the Mass, please visit www.heafeyheafey.com and click the “View Live Cast” button at the top of the home page.

Thomas Francis McGowan, age 86, of Omaha, Nebraska died on Monday, March 27, 2023. Born in Omaha on June 22, 1936, to Bridget (Sweeny) and Francis McGowan. He was proud to be a first-generation American who served in the United States Army and was honorably discharged in 1966 at the rank of Captain. He was raised in a middle-class family of modest means by two parents who stressed the importance of education and giving back to others.

Tom was a graduate of Creighton Prep High School. Tom continued his education by attending Creighton University, graduating in 1958 with a bachelor’s degree in business. In October of 2022 Tom was inducted into the Creighton Prep Hall of Fame where he was honored for his distinguished service to the school and for his life of faith.

At fourteen years of age Tom caddied at the Omaha Country Club where he met a very successful man named Jody Barker who took him under his wing and became a lifelong mentor that would change his life. Tom started working at Foster-Barker Insurance Agency each day after school from 2:30 to 6:00 p.m. where he would ultimately work for thirty-two years rising to become Senior partner of the largest insurance brokerage firm in Omaha. During his thirty-two years he had many industry highlights. He was elected as the youngest president of Omaha Insurance Agent Association; He served as president of the Nebraska Association of Insurance Agents; and he was elected a national director of the National Association Insurance Board and served for ten years as the longest serving director. In 1987 when Foster Barker was sold, Tom ventured out on his own and started McGowan Insurance Agency where he continued in the industry until his retirement in 2002.

Tom was committed to community as evidenced by his service – amongst many other things, he most recently served on the Completely KIDS Advisory Board, a Founding member of the Omaha Police Foundation Board, Methodist Hospital Foundation Board, Omaha Community Foundation, Fontenelle Forest Honorary Trustee, and was a Founding member of Jesuit School Board (now Jesuit Academy).

Tom married the love of his life, Cynthia Cowdery, in 1962. They would have celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary in September. They have four children: Kim, Megan, Chris and Toby. Family always taking priority in his life, Tom never missed attending his children’s school and sporting activities. Tom liked fishing, hunting, numerous weekly lunch dates with friends, but nothing came close to his passion for the game of golf. This led to trips near and far to play some of the best courses in the world. It also led to the creation of two legendary private tournaments called the Buns Closed and the M&M Classic, resulting in countless stories with his closest friends.

Tom dearly loved his six grandkids. Whether it was counting airplanes in the night sky, attending their many school events and sporting activities, golfing with Papa, playing Left Right Center for $2 bills, or taking annual trips with the entire family, Papa had a special relationship with each one. Tom is survived by his wife, Cynthia; daughters, Kim and Megan; son and daughter-in-law, Chris and Sarah McGowan; son and daughter-in-law, Toby and Cherrie McGowan; grandchildren: Jackson, Peggy, Luke, Caroline, Eloise, and Poppy.