William "Bill" McGowan, PhD

William “Bill” McGowan, PhD, 57, of Versailles, and devoted husband of Michele Renee Haman passed away on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, after an extended illness. Born to John Joseph and Mary Anne McGowan on March 21, 1967, at Toledo, Ohio, he moved to Versailles in 1995. 

Bill was a valuable Kentuckian and a stalwart member of the Versailles community. His academic career as a student culminated in earning his PhD in Analytical/Organic Chemistry from Florida State University ('95). Known to his colleagues and students as Dr. Bill McGowan, he ably served Midway University as a Professor of Chemistry for twenty-four years. Additionally, he was a past president of the Sons of the American Legion at Post 67; served on the board, refereed, and coached at the Woodford Youth Soccer Association; refereed high school soccer for many years; and volunteered by performing water testing for Kentucky Watershed Watch. He gave immensely of his time in order to help others and to make the world better for everyone.

Among Bill’s interests and hobbies, he loved hiking, especially going to see alligators and birds in Florida. He was a skilled guitar player, with an eclectic love of music.  Bill also supported his wife’s business extensively, and enjoyed spending time with her traveling for work and interacting with the horses. Most of all, he loved his family and their pets. 

In addition to his loving wife of 10 years, Michele Haman, and his cherished mother, Bill is survived by his two daughters, Candice McGowan and her son Oliver; Megan (Katarina) Stevenson and their daughter Sunaya; sister Christina Chretien; parents by marriage, Alan and Eileen Haman; and brother-in-law Jason Haman. Bill was preceded in death by three brothers, Kevin, Joseph, and John Joe McGowan. 

Friends of the family are invited to attend a celebration of life gathering on Tuesday, March 4th from 2:00 pm until 6:00 pm at the Life Adventure Center, 570 Milner Rd, Versailles, KY 40383. 

In lieu of flowers, donations would be greatly appreciated to MDAnderson.org/Gifts to benefit research into a cure for HepatoCellular Carcinoma (HCC). Donations can also be mailed to P.O. Box 4486, Houston, TX 77210-4486.