Mr. Gowen, 59, of Freehold Township, died Aug. 24, 2007, at Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Neptune. He was born in New Brunswick and had resided in the Freehold area for many years. A graduate of New Brunswick High School, he attended the University of Miami in Florida, as well as many professional development schools, including Ford Marketing Institute, U.S. Jaycees Management College and General Motors University. He was employed for the past year as a general manager for Circle Chevrolet, Shrewsbury. Prior to that, he was a manager for Kelle Chevrolet in Howell, Brunswick Pontiac Buick GMC in East Brunswick, Sansone Auto Network in Perth Amboy, and Whelan Pontiac Buick GMC, George Hughes Chevrolet GEO and S.B. King and Son Inc., all of Freehold Township. Mr. Gowen was a supporter of the Best Friends Animal Society. He was also an active member of the Freehold community. He was past director of the Western Monmouth Chamber of Commerce, past chairman of the YMCA of Western Monmouth County, a past president of the Freehold Area Jaycees and a Jaycees International senator, a past district chairman of the Boys Scouts of America’s Monmouth Council, a past president of the Freehold Republican Club, a member of the Monmouth County Republican Club and the Oldsmobile Vanguard Sales Club, a Cadillac master manager and a GMC sales master. Mr. Gowen was predeceased by his wife, Pamela J. Gowen, in 2005. Surviving are two brothers, Gerald D. Gowen of South River and Richard Gowen of Rapid City, S.D.; a sister, Loretta “Jeannie” Bollinger of North Brunswick; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. Funeral services were held at Higgins Memorial Home, Freehold. Memorial donations may be made to the Thomas and Pamela Gowen Radiological Education Fund, Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Attn.: Foundation, 1945 Route 33, Neptune 07754.
