Michael W. McGowen

Michael Wayne McGowen, 72, of Boise, Idaho—beloved son, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend—went home to his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, April 21st, 2026, surrounded by family.

Michael was born October 12, 1953, in Boise, Idaho, to Tommy D. McGowen and Lavell Jean (Yandle) McGowen. He attended the Church of Christ in his youth and was baptized, acknowledging Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. Michael was never fond of crowds or being confined in a building; his preference was spending time outdoors in God’s creation. In the mountains, on the water, and under open skies, he found peace, often by sharing those outdoor moments with others.

Michael grew up in Boise with his younger sister, Rhonda, roaming and playing along the Boise River, swimming, exploring, playing baseball and “Kick the Can,” and building the love of the outdoors that would define his life. In the summers of his youth, he attended Camp Ivydale outside of Idaho City, which helped shape his spiritual development and love of being outside. McGowen family reunions at his grandparents’ home were also especially meaningful and created lifelong bonds with his cousins. His cousin, Joe Gentry, was especially supportive of Michael throughout his life.

A lifelong Boisean, he attended Collister and Taft Elementary Schools, Hillside Junior High School, and graduated from Capital High School in 1972.

Not long after his graduation, Michael faced a profound loss when his mother, Jean, passed after a three-year battle with ovarian cancer. In time, he gained a second mom in Monya, along with three siblings—Monica, Dan, and Mike—relationships that would remain a blessing and a constant in his life for more than 50 years. With two Mikes now in the family, he affectionately became known as “Big Mike.”

As an adult, Michael enjoyed fishing, boating, hunting, camping, rock hounding, riding motorcycles, and driving fast muscle cars (Camaros). He had a particular passion for fishing on his jet boat with family and friends, creating countless stories and memories. He spent time fishing the Salmon River, a place that always held special meaning for him. Michael enjoyed gardening and cooking and was known for his biscuits and gravy, chocolate-walnut fudge, and many other comfort foods. He cared for a variety of animals over the years, including homing pigeons, chickens, chukars, cats, and beloved dogs Cubby, Tippy, and Boomer.

Michael was a dedicated commercial truck driver who spent millions of miles on the open road. His work allowed him the freedom to see beautiful places in every season. While he took his job seriously, being outdoors—and sharing those adventures—brought him his greatest joy. He also had a deep affinity for music, beginning with playing violin in his youth and later enjoying rock and roll and instrumental acoustic guitar, which were constantly playing in his home and vehicles. He enjoyed old westerns and movies where the good guy wins.

Michael lived a full life and met many hard challenges. He never backed down and never gave up; even after losing his leg in late 2023, he adapted and kept living—an example to all who knew him. He had a tender, kind, caring heart and a quiet way about him. He will be deeply missed for his steady demeanor, the mischievous twinkle in his eye, his smile and sense of humor, his tales of fishing and boating trips, cooking hearty camp meals, and his loyalty to family and friends.

Michael is survived by his sisters, Rhonda McGowen Grande and Monica Watts Pope; his brothers, Daniel (Laura) Watts and Micheal (Rachelle) Watts; and many uncles, aunts, cousins, nephews, nieces, great-nephews, and great-nieces.

He was preceded in death by Lavell Jean (Yandle) McGowen, Tommy D. McGowen, and Monya J. (Mathews) Watts McGowen.

A viewing will take place at Alden-Waggoner Funeral Chapel (5400 Fairview Avenue) in the evening of May 8th from 4:00pm – 7:00pm. Services will be conducted at Dry Creek Cemetery (Enter off Horseshoe Bend Rd) on May 9th, at 10:30am. A celebration of life will immediately follow at the Boise Church of Christ at 1:00pm.

Donations in Michael’s honor may be made to Camp Ivydale, c/o Boise Church of Christ, 2000 Eldorado, Boise, ID 83704. Donations may also be made to the SBFC Foundation, which preserves Idaho’s Salmon River Wilderness through stewardship and trail maintenance. Donations to SBFC may be made by mail to SBFC, PO Box 1886, Boise, ID 83701, or online at https://www.selwaybitterroot.org/donate.