Fowlerville News and Views Online

Francis (Frank) McKowen

   Francis (Frank) McKowen, age 93, of Williamston left us to "have breakfast in Heaven" on October 21, 2016. Frank was born in Tacoma, Washington to the family of Reverands Roy and Neena McKowen. Frank was a veteran of World War II, serving in the 15th Air Force in Italy from 1943 to 1945. Following his service years, he attended Baylor University and graduated in 1945 with a Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education. He received his Master of Music degree from the University of Michigan in 1953 and taught choral music in the University School until moving to Lansing in 1956. 
   He married Marjorie Kurta from Rochester, MI in June of 1950, but divorced in 2000. He then married Jeanne Showerman from Webberville, MI in October of 2004. He taught choral music at Sexton High School from 1956 until his retirement in 1979. In 1973 he began teaching folk guitar. He was past president of the Michigan School Vocal Music Association and was awarded Emeritus membership in 1995. Following his retirement from Sexton, a hobby of piano tuning blossomed into a 30-year retirement career.     Throughout his Lansing tenure, he served as choir director for seven Lansing area churches, and for 14 years, served as director of the Lansing Orpheus Male Chorus.    He was preceded in death by his two brothers: Jim and Paul McKowen.
    Surviving to cherish his memory are his wife, Jeanne; son, Scott (Christina Poddubiuk) of Stratford, Ontario, Canada; and daughter, Carol (Tom) Loveless; and grandson Justin of Grand Ledge. He is also survived by his second family, stepsons Sam (Cheryl), Chris (Natasha Kopp) and step grandchildren, Luke, Allison and Tyler Showerman.    Frank has donated his body to the Anatomical Program at the University of Michigan Medical School.  A Memorial Service will be held at The Peoples Church in East Lansing on December 17, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service, followed by a reception at the church.