OXFORD – Cecil J. McGowan, 75 of State St., Oxford, passed away on Saturday, Oct. 28, 2006 at his home. 
He was born on Aug. 27, 1931 in Smithville, the son of the late Paul and Genevieve (Young) McGowan. On Feb. 19, 1955 in Conklin he married Esther Buckland, who survives.
 Besides his wife, Esther of Oxford, he is survived by his children, Timothy McGowan and Connie Rowlison of Oxford, Cheryl McGowan and Gary Golden of Oxford, and Julie McGowan and John (Foxy) Souders of Unadilla; his brothers, Pete McGowan of Norwich, Ken McGowan of Florida, Harold McGowan of Greene, and Larry McGowan of Oxford; his sister, Elsie Dutcher of Oxford and his grandson, Justin Boberg of Oxford. His brother, Leo McGowan and his sister, Ann Robbins, predeceased him.
 Cecil was a US Army veteran of the Korean War and a life member of Fort Hill Post #376, American Legion of Oxford and life member of the Adams, NY Veterans of Foreign Wars. He was a member of the Niagara Hose Company for 10 years and currently is an honorary member of the Oxford Fire Department.  He was a member and past president and vice-president of the Oxford Rod and Gun Club. He retired after over 37 years of service with the NYS Department of Transportation.
 A memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. Wednesday at the Fort Hill Post #376, American Legion in Oxford. Friends may call at the American Legion from 3 p.m. until the time of the service.  Members of Fort Hill Post will accord full military honors.
 Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Chenango County, 27 Fair St., Norwich, NY 13815 or the Oxford Fire Department, PO Box 570, Oxford, NY 13830.
 Arrangements have been entrusted to the Behe Funeral Home Inc., 21 Main St., Oxford.