MIchael (Beba) Quintin McGowan of Clearwater, FL, loving husband of Elizabeth Rose McGowan, passed away on July 11, 2021 at the age of 72 after having fought a long 20 year battle with Stiff Person Syndrome and a myriad of other health issues. Despite the pain and challenges, he was strong and stoic until the very end. Michael devoted his life to serving our country and the public. 


A Vietnam Combat Veteran born on December 30, 1948 in Harrisburg, PA.  After graduation  from Newport High School in 1966, Michael served in the United States Marine Corps from 1967-1969 where he was awarded the Purple Heart for wounds received in combat. After returning from Vietnam, he spent 23 years as a police officer, 2 years in Harrisburg, PA and 21 years in Clearwater, Fl. 


He was a lifetime member of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign War post 2473, Amvets, Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 10, and the Clearwater Retired Police Association. Michael also loved to scuba dive, travel, read, go on cruises, watch football, and take trips to the casino. 


He is survived by his loving wife Elizabeth who selflessly dedicated the last 12 years as Michaels caregiver, his mother Arlene Mcgowan of Newport, PA , sister Patricia Dudley of Newport, PA  (Jim), his nieces Tracie (rent-a-daughter) Rennell (Tony) of Mount Pleasant, SC , niece Billie Dudley (Dina) of Newport, PA, nephew Matt Dudley (Molly) of West Chester, PA. He's also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, and other family and friends.


He was preceded in death by his father William R. McGowan and his son Michael Quintin McGowan II. 


Services will be held at the Bay Pines VA Cemetery located at 10000 Bay Pines Blvd. Saint Petersburg, FL 33708 on August 11, 2021 at 10:00 AM.  Following there will be a celebration of life at the VFW post 2473 located at 1401 N Hercules Ave, Clearwater, FL 33765 beginning at 11:30 AM. 


In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation  (www.cff.org) or The Stiff Person Research Foundation (www.stiffperson.org).


Michael’s bright and affectionate smile will live on in our hearts always.