Cyril J. "Mac" McGowan Jr., 93, former long-time resident of Axtell, died Wednesday, March 12, 2014. Rosary and Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 am Friday, March 14, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Elk. Burial with Military Honors will follow at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery. Mac first came to Texas in 1945 after serving in World War II as a bombardier on B-17's as part of the 8th Air Force, 390th Bomb Group. He was also a Veteran of the Korean War. He married a war widow, Marge Wilson Kindred on November 10, 1945 and the family moved back to his home town of New York City after he graduated from Baylor University. Mac worked for American Sugar Company (Domino) for many years in both Chicago and New York City and retired in 1988. In retirement, Mac was prominently involved in parish activities at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Elk and in raising and caring for animals of all shapes and sizes. He also was active in the 390th Bomb Group Veterans Association and he enjoyed attending their reunions for many years. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him." Survivors include his wife of 68 years; his daughters, Wynema Kindred McGowan of Lampasas and Elaine Barrington and husband Rob; brother, Robert McGowan of Scarsdale, NY; and many beloved nieces and nephews living across the USA. His family wrote: "He was a kind and generous man, a brave patriot and a true hero. Friend are invited to join the family for lunch in the St. Joseph's Hall after the ceremony.