Deborah L. Gowen

Derby - Gowen, Deborah L.

the daughter of William and Marilyn (Taylor) Pratt was born June 19th, 1953 in Belvidere, Illinois. Debbie departed this life at St. Francis Hospital in Wichita, Kansas and entered the gates of heaven Thursday evening, September 13th, 2018. Debbie was 65 years and 86 days young.

Debbie grew up in Belvidere, Illinois and received her formal education at Belvidere High School, graduating with the class of 1971. She enlisted in the United States Navy on June 24th, 1971 and served her country as a photo and intelligence specialist for over 20 years. During this time, she traveled all around the world and found a special place in her heart for Japan. Debbie was united in marriage to Terry Gowen on March 13th, 1981 in Superior, Nebraska. To this union were born three children, Christopher, Jeffrey, and Jessica. In March 2018, Debbie and Terry celebrated their 37th wedding anniversary.

Debbie was a member of the American Legion, American Legion Riders, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Honor Flight Society, and numerous charity organizations. Her many hobbies included researching family ancestry, fishing, skydiving, golf, softball, bowling, and playing cards and games with family. Debbie loved being around people, especially children. All of her children’s friends called her Mama G wherever she lived. Her greatest love and enthusiasm in life was for her children, their friends, and everyone she met in life.

Preceding Debbie in death were her father and mother, William and Marilyn Pratt. Left to treasure her life is her brother Bill Pratt, and sisters Mollie Fonceca and Vikki Langeloh. Also surviving is her husband Terry, and their three children, Christopher, Jeffrey, and Jessica.

Debbie will be cremated and her ashes placed in the Kansas City Veterans Cemetery. Her family will hold a service to celebrate her life at the Powerhouse 1st Christian Church, located at 302 N Georgie Ave in Derby, Kansas, on Saturday, November 24th, 2018 from 4-9 pm.