Charles Lloyd McGowan, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, friend, and servant to his community, passed away on August 9, 2026, at the age of 83.  He was well known in the community as well as with his family and friends as, "Yogi".

Charles was born on November 20, 1942, to Claude Francis McGowan and Helen Jewel Calhoun McGowan of South Jackson. Born and raised in South Jackson, Charles remained deeply connected to his community throughout his life. He was a faithful member of Griffith Memorial Baptist Church.

Charles worked as a printer for Mercury Maps. He was a talented craftsman who enjoyed woodworking and especially loved making crosses. He also had a wonderful sense of humor and a gift for bringing joy to others. For many years, Charles was a professional clown known as “Yogi the Clown,” bringing laughter and smiles to children and families.

One of Charles's greatest passions was baseball. He loved coaching and encouraging young players and served as the Commissioner of Oak Forest Ball Parks. Through baseball, he shared not only his knowledge of the game but also the values of teamwork, dedication, and perseverance.

Charles was also deeply devoted to his Masonic family. He was a 32nd Degree Capitol Lodge Mason, a member of the Wahabi Shrine, a 50-year Mason, and a 50-year member of the Order of the Eastern Star. His commitment to service was recognized when he received the Book of Golden Deeds from the Oak Forest Exchange Club.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents, Claude Francis McGowan and Helen Jewel Calhoun McGowan; his first wife of 49 years, Lynda McGowan; his son, Edward Lee McGowan; and his daughter-in-law, Sylvia McGowan.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory his beloved wife of 13 years, Connie Faye Wingert McGowan; his sons, Charles Lloyd McGowan, Jr.; John David McGowan (Buffy); and James Robert McGowan (April); and his daughter, Teresa Lynn Lofton (CJ), as well as his stepchildren, Angela Crowell (Mark), Sheila Williams (Neil), and TJ Graham (Laura).  He leaves a beautiful family legacy through his many grandchildren: Shannon Pace; Charles “Tre” Lloyd McGowan, III; Kayla Moore (Matthew); Colton Adams; Christopher Adams; Jade Bentley (BJ); Christina Montgomery (Tyler); Megan McGowan; David James “DJ” McGowan; Anna Grace McGowan; Alexis Ferguson; Chyanne Murphy; Katie Mills; Brian Chandler (Savannah); Sarah       ; Adam Knight (Jessica); Rachel Williams; Katherine Graham; and Shelby Graham, as well as 15 great-grandchildren.

Charles will be remembered for his unwavering love of family, his faith, his devotion to baseball, his craftsmanship, his service to others, and the laughter he brought into the lives of so many as Yogi the Clown. He had a heart for people and a willingness to serve, leaving behind a legacy that will live on through his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, friends, and the many young people he coached and encouraged.

Though he will be deeply missed, Charles's memory will continue in the countless lives he touched and in the love he gave so freely.

Services:

Chancellor Funeral Home on Wednesday, August 12, 2026

Visitation: 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Funeral Service: 1:00 p.m.  A graveside service will immediately follow at Cedarlawn Cemetery in Jackson, Mississippi.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.”