Summary
Ronald E. McGowan Jr.,58, known to most simply as “Ron,” passed away on, September 14th, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of dedication, laughter, and love. He was born on August 11th, 1967, to the late Ronald E. Sr. and Linda McGowan.
Ron was a proud graduate of Ben Davis High School (Class of 1985), where he made his mark as a three-sport athlete, competing in football, basketball, and baseball. His passion for sports carried him to St. Joseph College, where he played baseball and earned a degree in communications. Ron later pursued his love of learning and leadership, earning a master’s degree, in education administration, from Butler University, through the EPPSP program.
He devoted his life to working with young people—teaching, coaching, and mentoring across generations. He returned to Wayne Township schools or Ben Davis as a coach, guiding students on the fields and courts where he once played. He later served at Chapel Hill 7th and 8th Grade Center and helped shape student-athletes at Raymond Park Middle School, as a teacher, coach, and athletic director, for many years. Afterward, Ron took on the role of Community Liaison at Brownsburg High School, always staying close to the heart of education. In his later years, Ron brought his compassion and advocacy to social work, supporting families throughout Indiana.
Ron was a fixture in the community—whether he was calling plays from the sidelines, working the football and basketball score bench, or showing up for students and families in need. His dedication went far beyond job titles; he simply cared deeply about people.
To know Ron was to feel seen and supported. He had a radiant smile, a quick wit, and a gift for making everyone feel like a friend. He loved music, a good laugh, and any opportunity to coach and cheer on young athletes. Above all, he loved his family.
Ron is survived by his loving wife, Heather, and their children—Maya, Korbyn, and Braden—who were his greatest pride; his mother, Linda; brother, Scott (Sandy); nephews, Jett and Jakobi; (Dwight); his aunt Carmen Allen, aunt Charlane Stanfield and family, aunt Connie Davis, and uncle Gregory (Stefanie) Johnson.
He was preceded in death by his father, Ronald E. McGowan Sr., his grandfather, Pepper Davis, and grandmother, Betty Tracy.
In true Ron fashion, he requested no funeral—just a celebration. A party in his honor, filled with music, laughter, and stories, will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to Ben Davis Athletics; an organization that meant so much to Ron and his lifelong commitment to youth sports, The Ben Davis High School Athletics Department is located at: 1200 N Girls School Rd. Indianapolis, IN 46214.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Simple Cremation Indianapolis, located at 6904 S. East St. Suite E, Indianapolis, In. 46227. Condolences, for the family, may be left at simplecremationindianapolis.com.
24 Responses
A Great classmate, teammate but a Super great Man. My condolences to Heather and the McGowan Family. 🙏🏾❤️
So Very Very Sorry for Your Loss.. He Will ALWAYS be a GIANT LEGEND💜💫
Ron was a classmate, teammate, brother, but most of all, I’m privileged to call him my friend. From the first time we met in the BDHS hall to the day of graduation, and to years beyond, Ron was always the same. May his light, love and legacy continue in our hearts and may God give peace and comfort to his family.
Ron was a great guy, I enjoyed working with him during basketball season. I pray that GOD gives his family the Love, Peace & Strength that surpasses all understanding!
Ron, although we lost touch through the years, you and your family have always been close to my heart. Thank you for continuing your caring/giving attitude, like you had as a kid, throughout the rest of your life. I know you made a major impact not only on me, but all your childhood friends, your wife, family and community.
Sincerely,
Keith Madley
We’ll miss you, Ron! Thanks for being a big brother to a lot of us growing up…and for all of the kids you coached and mentored too. All the best to Heather, Scott and the family.
Very sorry to hear about Ron. I have nothing but good memories of Ron in High School and beyond with his loving family. Prayers to his entire family as they go through this very difficult time.
To the family of Ron
I have nothing but good thoughts about Ron. He always was upbeat, positive, and a true example of what it was to be a Father, Husband, friend, colleague. His smile always lit up the room.
My heart goes out to his loving family.
Hugs,
Tammy
Mrs. McGowan, I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Coach McGowan was a great coach and encourager to me at a very young age. I was a pretty large round little guy as a 7th grader when Coach taught me that hard work and consistency could help me become something else. I still remember watching him load up the bench press with what seemed like unbelievable weight in the Ben Davis Junior High weight room. Rocky sound track was blasting in the background and I would think, someday I want to be able to do that. His example of hardwork challenged me through most of my adolescent years. More than anything he was an encourager and always wore a big smile on his face. I thank God that I knew him. I’m praying that the Lord makes His presence know to you in the day to come. Praying for you all. Psalm 34:18 says, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” by FAITH in GRACE, Evan Nave
So sorry to hear of Ron’s death. I had the pleasure of coaching basketball at Ben Davis Junior High School for several years with Ron. He was an excellent coach and teacher of the game. We shared many laughs together. I will certainly miss his smile as he was always glad to see you. Take care “Big Dog”. Rest in Peace, my friend.
I remember every time when me and my dad would drive past and we saw Ron outside on the patio in the backyard we would always honk to let him know it’s us. I’m gonna always look back on that and love every second of it.
I coached Ron in Jr. High football and also taught him in social studies. He was a remarkable youngman and I am greatly saddened by his passing. Condolences to the family and blessings as you move forward with such a great guy.
I’m so grateful to have spent the last four football seasons with you, absolutely unforgettable moments doing what we loved most…watching our kids play ball. I’ll miss you friend, but we’ll see you again.
My condolences 💐 to you and your family. Sending you all the prayers and positive vibrations.
We are sorry for your loss. Your family will be in our thoughts and prayers. Ron was very thoughtful and kindhearted man. He will be missed.
I deepest sympathy to your family, I am a good friend to his mother Linda McGowan. We worked many years at the Postal Service together. Please let Linda know my heart cries for her and Ron was a mentor as be coach to my son at Ben .Davis. Sending prayers to you and the family..
Ron was a giving man with a passion for students and all people. His love was shown thru his smile.
I always enjoyed sitting by him at the Franklin football games watching his and my grandson 💜
A great man and friend, that impacted all that he came in contact with through his heart for people and radiant smile. To Heather, the kids along with the entire McGowan family, we will continue to pray for peace, comfort and strength in this time of separation of our good brother. May God bless!
Ron was one of my best friends and it hurts my heart to be writing this. I coached Ron and Scott at Ben Davis Jr. High and had the pleasure of meeting Linda McGowan. Ron came back to coach with us and we developed a friendship that has lasted 40 years. I was in his wedding and he played a part in mine. To say that I will miss him is an understatement. Love to the family. We will meet again Big Dog.
Heather and family, so sorry for your loss.
With deepest sympathy. So sorry to hear about Ron. Lot of memories at BD especially with baseball and basketball. I used to work with Ron’s mom at the Post office also.
Thoughts and prayers for the family. I remember his ever present smile during my time teaching at Ben
Davis High School. Ron will be missed.
My deepest condolences! Ron made a lasting impact on our family, especially my son. Ron had the gift for seeing the ‘special’ in kids, when others might have overlooked them. He wasn’t just a coach, he was a mentor.
Hoping you find comfort in the love and support from those around you during this difficult time!
To the McGowen family. I send my prayers and sympathy during this difficult time for you.
Ron was a first class Ranger. I was proud to follow him in the AD role and continue the program he led for many years.