Ira Brent McGowen Jr., 53, of Mount Vernon, Illinois, passed away April 27, 2023 at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri.

He was born June 3, 1969 in Mount Vernon to Ira B. McGowen Sr. and Paula (Roth) McGowen. Brent married Cindy Badgett on September 29, 2003 in Paducah, Kentucky. Brent is survived by his loving wife of 20 years, Cindy; children, Dalton McGowen and wife, Rachel of Nashville, Tennessee, Taylor McGowen of Mount Vernon, and Kirsten Malone and husband, Nickalus of Mount Vernon; grandchildren, Malih, Zayn and Zayana; sisters, Tammy Tackitt and significant other, Jeff Wiggins of Mount Vernon, Lori Hayes and husband Troy of Mount Vernon; mother in law, Carol Badgett, and several nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles.

Brent was preceded in death by his grandparents, Bob and Norma Roth; brother-in-law, Ken Badgett and father-in-law, Gary Badgett.

Brent worked as a Corporate Maintenance Safety Director with the National Railway Equipment for many years. He was a member of the American Legion and Sportman’s Club in Mount Vernon. Brent enjoyed spending time with his family. He was a loving husband, father brother, grandfather and friend and will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

A Visitation will be held Tuesday, May 9, 2023 from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm at Hughey Funeral Home in Mount Vernon. A Funeral Service will begin at 12:00 pm with Mr. Marty Mills officiating. Interment will follow at Mount Vernon Memorial Gardens in Woodlawn, where Full Military Rites will be performed. Memorials may be made in Brent’s honor to The American Legion Children’s Christmas Fund.Call Hughey Funeral Home at 618-242-3348 or visit hugheyfh.com for further information.