Howerton (Tony) & Patricia  Gowen

May 17, 1941 was a day like any other.  In Roanoke Rapids, NC it was a party cloudy day with a high of 88 degrees.  In a local hospital a brand-new baby boy took his first breath and was given the name Tony Gowen.  On the West Coast that very same day, the weather was slightly different. A high of 71 degrees and a fair day was reported. In the City of Angels another little angel made her way to earth and was named Patricia.

Tony grew up on the East Coast in North Carolina.  Patricia was a California girl until her family moved to Oregon when she was 11 years old.  That move had a big impact on Patricia and taught her the art of making friends.  Many years passed. Tony joined the Wolf Pack and received his undergraduate in Economics from NC State.  Patricia joined the Flock at the University of Oregon.  She knew her passion was teaching. 

Love intervened to bring these two on opposite coasts together. Tony’s childhood friend from North Carolina was getting married and asked Tony to be an usher.  At the wedding he met a bridesmaid named Patricia who was the roommate of the bride.  They didn’t date too long because when it’s right, it’s right.  They married in August of 1967. They lived in Birmingham, AL, Memphis, TN, and Greensboro, NC before settling in Lynchburg.

Their union has been fruitful and they have three wonderful children together.  Today, John and his wife Susan live in Colorado with sons Jack, Wilson and Luke.  Son Christopher and wife Bartlett live in Lynchburg with their daughters Evelyn and Jane. Daughter Heather and husband Jason live in Greenville, SC with children Jordan and Calvin. 

Their careers also flourished. Patricia loved teaching and attended UNC Greensboro receiving a Master’s Degree with a concentration in reading.  She taught at Linkhorne Middle School both English and History classes. And Tony spent 32 years in the Welding Equipment and Industrial Gas Industry. He managed several Welding Equipment Branches in NC and VA.

Patricia and Tony have had a life time of fun and travel.  They have been to Europe, Nova Scotia, Cuba, Western Canada, Bermuda, Panama, and Hawaii.  They have sailed both American and British Virgin Islands.  Of course, California is dear to their heart. They have enjoyed time in San Francisco, Lake Tahoe, Yosemite and Carmel.

They are members of St. John’s Episcopal Church and both have served on the Vestry.  In the past they enjoyed sailing, hiking, and tennis. Now a days, you might find Patricia with her “Bridge Buddies”, at Bible Study, line dancing or kayaking. Tony is a member of SML Antique and Classic Boat Society and he enjoys reading.

These two are well known to campus and join Tony’s sister who is a Drinkard resident. Please give them a hearty welcome as they move to Westminster Way.