Crate Gowler was born June 16, 1878, departed this life April 13, 1956 at the age of 77 years, 9 months, and 28 days. He was born, reared and lived his entire life in Jefferson County.

He was the son of Robert Carter and Huldah Garrison Gowler. He was the grandson of Thomas andn Alice Gowler who came to Jefferson County from England about 1840. They owned a large area ofl and in Webber township. Although most of the land no longer belongs to any of the Gowler family, two of Crate's children, Roy W. Gowler and Mrs. Ruby Russell and a cousin Fay Gowler still live on a part of the old homestead.

He was first married to Allie D. Davis who pcreded him in death many years ago.

He was married to Amanda Shelton Miller in March 1920. She passed away May 28, 1955. Since that time he has lived along at his home at 1303 South 26th Street.

He was also preceded in death by his parents, two brothers James Thomas and Robert Lee who died in childhood and an only sister Mrs. Eliza Warren who passed away April 10, 1954 at nearly 81 years of age.

He is survived by a son Roy W. Gowler, a child of his second marriage. A son Pat Gowler and a daughter MRs. Ruby Russell, children of his first marriage. Besides these he is survived by four grandson Stephen Lee Gowler, Wesley Dale, Donald Robert, and Lowell Lee Russell, all of Mt. Vernon, three grand-daughters, Monica Sue and Cynthia Faye Gowler, Mt. Vernon and Honna Lou (Patsy) Brand of Marshalltown, Iowa. He is also survived by 9 great-grandchildren, all of whom he loved dearly.

Until the Car Company closed their gates in July 1954, he was a watchman there. Before that he had worked in other capacities for the Car Company and for a short time he was employed at Mt. Vernon Furnace Co. He had also been a farmer until about 10 years ago.

He was a good friend and neighbor and will be missed by all who knew him. He loved children and many of his friends' and neighbors' children call him grandpa.

Source: Mt. Vernon Register-News
Date: Monday, April 23, 1956
Transcribed and submitted by: Sandy (Whalen) Bauer

Note from Sandy: while I am not related to Crate, I am related I am 2nd cousin 3 times removed of his first wife. He was the father of Roy Wayne Gowler (1923-2020) a good friend of my parents. Crate was a good friend of my great grandfather, J.I. Williams and Roy used to tell me stories about Crate and my great grandfather.

Note from Sandy: this is the 2nd obit I have for him which I have not transcribed:

Source: Mt. Vernon Register-News
Date: Saturday, April 14, 1956, page 1
Submitted by: Sandy (Whalen) Bauer