Matthew Thomas McGowan passed away peacefully at his home in Overland Park, KS, on January 21, 2025, at the age of 38.
Born on October 24, 1986, in Topeka, Kansas, Matthew was the beloved first child of Thomas Joseph McGowan Jr. and Jan Harrison McGowan. For the first ten years of his life, he was an only child, reveling in the spotlight as the center of his parents’ world. When the triplets arrived, Matthew wholeheartedly embraced his role as an older brother. From the moment they were born, he adored his younger siblings—excitedly introducing them to his third-grade class, playfully teasing them as they grew, and paving the way while keeping a watchful eye and cheering them on with a proud, goofy grin.
Much of Matthew's upbringing revolved around the water. Summers were spent at the pool and out on the lake with family and friends. A natural swimmer, he followed in the footsteps of his father and uncles, beginning competitive swimming at age six with the Topeka Swim Association. Over the years, he achieved numerous accolades in his signature events: the 100-meter butterfly, 50-meter freestyle, 200-meter individual medley, and 200-meter medley relay.
Matthew attended Hayden High School, where he led the swim team to state championships and was named a first-team all-state swimming finalist all four years. Over the summers, he competed in the Sunflower State Games, amassing an impressive collection of 25 gold medals throughout his career. His dedication and performance in the sport inspired his younger siblings to follow in his footsteps—a torch he was proud to pass on. As Matthew often said, with the family's passion and natural affinity for the sport, it was only a matter of time before the triplets found their way into the pool.
Beyond athletics, Matthew discovered a hidden talent in ceramics during his time at Hayden. His clay creations ranged from intricately designed vases to whimsical creatures, earning him admiration from classmates and the title of "Most Creative" his senior year. He pursued higher education at the University of Kansas for three years before transferring to Washburn University, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology.
Matthew’s career spanned many industries, and while he pursued a variety of endeavors, his time spent managing 20’s West in Topeka always held a special place in his heart. His quick wit and sharp sense of humor made him a natural in the service industry, where he had a knack for storytelling and mixing a mean drink—effortlessly captivating his audience and leaving patrons feeling like old friends.
Matthew was a free spirit who lived authentically, always strumming to the beat of his own drum. He loved all things comedy, and his infectious laugh brightened every room he entered. A man of simple pleasures, he found joy in everything from a perfectly seasoned steak to a bowl of orange sherbet. He possessed an unquenchable curiosity about the vastness of the universe, always seeking to understand the mysteries of our existence. He was a fan of classic rock, an enthusiast of The Wheel of Time book series, and loved to travel and play video games with family. Just as in the early years of his life, his final years were spent back by the water—relaxing poolside or “hot tubbing” as often as possible.
Matthew is survived by his parents, Thomas Joseph McGowan Jr. and Jan Harrison McGowan; his siblings, Hanna (Aaron) McGowan Hall, Page (Amir) McGowan, and Kevin (Stanzi) McGowan; his nephew, Axton William McGowan; and his niece, Hunter Alyson Hall.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Thomas Joseph McGowan, Patricia Hannagan McGowan, Alan Wayne Harrison, and Anita Page Harrison, as well as his uncle, Kelly Swartz.
Matthew leaves behind a large extended family of 11 aunts and uncles, 23 cousins, and an extensive network of friends.
A funeral Mass will be celebrated by Fr. Richard Storey at Curé of Ars Catholic Church, 9405 Mission Rd. Leawood, KS, on Sunday, February 16th, at 3:00 p.m., preceded by a wake beginning at 2:00 p.m.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to all who have offered their sympathies, prayers, and support during this time. Matthew will be deeply missed by all who were fortunate enough to know him. As we grieve, we honor his memory by remembering “The Wheel weaves as the Wheel wills.”