Mr. Elmer Burton Gowell, 70, from Rothbury, passed away Friday, August 26, 2022 surrounded by his loving family. He was born February 5, 1952, in Shelby, Michigan, the son of Edwin and Pearl (VanDyke) Gowell. 

Elmer was a graduate of Michigan State University's Agriculture Production Program, working most of his life in several aspects of farming. From his childhood until 1994 Elmer enjoyed beef farming, poultry farming with 40,000 chickens and egg production, dairy farming - milking 112 dairy cows with his parents.  Elmer also helped local farmers commercially with their hay harvest.  Agriculture was his heart.  He worked for a short period at Parts Plus and Reeman Farm Equipment then returned to his love of agriculture at Country Dairy in New Era.  He loved having friends over for plow days with antique tractors each spring.  He also enjoyed antique tractor/plow restoration and fixing up trucks.  Elmer has 12 antique tractors and 20 antique plows. 

Elmer served as FFA State Treasurer from 1971-1972.  He was very active in Oceana County Farm Bureau, being president for several years and serving on several committees.  Gowell Beef and Poultry Farm was proud to be the first “no till” farm in Oceana County.  He was involved in OATS- Oceana Antique TractorS club.  Elmer was always seen on his lawn mower mowing a 2-mile section of Cleveland Road. He had a big heart, a kind soul, and was always available to help others.  

Elmer is survived by his: loving wife of 26 years, Janice Gowell; children, Kevin (Lindsay) Gowell, Virginia (Mitchell) Near, Cody (Tapanga) Gowell, Diana (Don) Fisher and many other foster children over the years; grandchildren, Elizabeth, Keegan, Novalee, RJ, Madelyn, Kaleb, Theodore, and Leon; sister, Lois (Charles) Temple McCallum; nephew/nieces Mike (Ellen) Neal, Jennifer (Joseph) Loicano, Jessica (Brian) McBeth; extended family, Esther Peterson, Nancy (Dale) Gregory, Steve (Chandra) Peterson, Cindy Moore, Brenda (Alan) Peeraer and a host of wonderful nieces and nephews. 

Elmer was preceded in death by his: parents Ed and Pearl; sisters Valda Neal and Wanda Cooper. 

Elmer enjoyed the wonderful homecoming Tractor Parade given in his honor on August 25th by friends and community.  He was able to enjoy, wave and smile at all the tractors and drivers as they went by.  He was so blessed by the love and support he received. A private memorial service was held on the Gowell Family Farm porch at sunset on Saturday, August 27th. A community memorial will be held at a later date.  Per the family's request, cremation has taken place. 

For those who would like to make a donation in Elmer’s memory, the family requests that the following agencies be considered: Crystal Valley Care Fund, P.O. Box 451, Hart, MI 49420, or Healthwell Foundation, P.O. Box 489, Buckeystown, MD 21717.

The Harris Funeral Home, in Shelby, is in charge of arrangements.

www.harrisfhome.com