Gordon Emery Mowrey

Gordon Emery Mowrey, age 90, of Mountain City, Tennessee, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, October 13, 2013 surrounded by family. He was born to the late Raleigh and Margaret Isabell Ellis Mowrey in Midwest, Wyoming in 1922. Gordon graduated from Midwest High School in 1940. He volunteered and proudly served for the United States Navy during WWII. He served as a gunner's mate on an oiler and was an aviation air cadet at the end of the war. Gordon moved to Fairbanks, Alaska, during the spring of 1946 and worked in the construction industry and as a water plant operator. In 1967, he relocated to Seattle, Washington, and was employed as a city inspector for 10 years. Then he returned to his native Wyoming and worked with his brother, R.J. Mowrey, as an oil field surveyor. In 1978, he returned to Fairbanks and worked in the trucking industry. Gordon made Mountain City his final home in 1985. He loved the mountains and said this area was his favorite place that he had ever lived. He described Mountain City as "beautiful country". Gordon was proud that his birthday was on Veteran's Day. On his 90th birthday, he was honored by the Johnson County Honor Guard, followed by a celebration with family from across the country. Gordon was a member of the Sierra Club and St. Bartholomew's Episcopal Church. He was an avid bridge player and earned the rank of Silver Life Master. He loved to read, garden, and do crossword puzzles. He was kind hearted, witty, humble, and humorous. Rest in peace loving husband, father, and grandpa. You will be missed dearly. He is survived by his wife, Rosemary Trivette Mowrey; daughters and sons-in-law: Karen Brown of Phoenix, AZ, Shelby Mowrey of Tucson, AZ; Stephanie Wills and husband Robert of Mountain City, TN and Patricia Rabideau and husband Don of Fayetteville, NC; son, Emery Mowrey and wife Debbie of Fairbanks, AK; brother, R.J. Mowrey of Riverton, WY; fourteen grandchildren; several great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. A Memorial Service for Gordon will be conducted at 7:00 p.m. Thursday, October 17, 2013 at the First United Methodist Church of Mountain City, Tennessee with Rev. Wendie Jekabsons to officiate. Military Rites will follow the service at the church and will be accorded by the Johnson County Honor Guard. The family will receive friends from 5-7:00 p.m. prior to the service. Honorary Pallbearers are Hank Medley, Bill Heuton, Evalds Jekabsons, Dean Withworth, John Cornett, Andy Garland, Saul Garland and Dennis Greene. The family would like to extend their appreciation and gratitude to all of the Doctors, Nurses and Staff of the Mountain Home Medical Center for all of their care and kindness. At other times, the family will receive friends at the home, 856 Pine Orchard Road, Butler, TN 37640. Online condolences may be sent to the family through www.mountaincityfh.com. The family of Gordon Emery Mowrey has entrusted his services to Mountain City Funeral Home, 224 S. Church Street, Mountain City, TN 37683.