A brief history of the Gowing Funeral Home

The Gowing Funeral Home is situated in the town of Orrick, Missouri. The present home was the former home of Claude Donovan, one of the early cashiers of the Citizen’s Exchange Bank, and his family. In 1920 the Donovan family moved to Liberty, Missouri, and the home was sold to Fred S. Rowland, undertaker. In 1927 the undertaking business and home were sold to Mr. and Mrs. C. V. Gibson. They operated the home and business until 1944, when it was sold to the funeral firm of Brothers-Good. A short time later, Blain W. Good bought out Mr. Brothers and the home was simply the Good Funeral Home. In 1959 Mr. Good sold the business to Wilbur McAfee. In 1962 Sammy L. Gowing acquired the business from Mr. McAfee and it has since been known as the Gowing Funeral Home. The late Sammy and Betty Gowing are pictured above.

In June of 1962 an article appeared in The Richmond News:

“Sam Gowing Buys Funeral Home And Plans Complete Remodeling — Wilbur McAfee To Remain Manager; Change About July 1

Mr. and Mrs. Wilbur McAfee announce the sale of the McAfee Funeral Home to Sammy L. Gowing of Orrick. The change in ownership will become effective around July 1, and will not involve a change in the management of the home since McAfee will be retained as manager.

Plans to give Orrick a very up-to-date funeral home have been announced by the new owner as follows:
Immediate Remodeling
Enlarging the Chapel
Air Conditioning
New Display Room
New Garage
New Driveway and a Covered Loading Area
New Ambulance and Equipment
Change in the name of the Funeral Home to be announced

Overall, these changes will mean complete redecoration inside and out giving Orrick a funeral home to compare with the better ones in the area.

The McAfees had aquired the funeral home two years ago from B. W. Good. The institution was established by the Vic Gibson family and has served Ray County’s second largest city for many year.”