Nicholas "Nick" Russell McGowan

In a shocking turn of events, Nicholas “Nick” Russell McGowan (31) has managed to pull off his ultimate prank: getting out of all future family gatherings. Unfortunately, Nick forgot to pay his earthly rent and was evicted on September 25, 2026. He was born on November 7, 1994 in Dayton, Ohio, immediately disrupting the peace and quiet. He spent his childhood taking apart all of his (and his sister’s) toys, playing youth football, and being a general menace to society. Despite his ADHD and in conjunction with his mother’s hard work and dedication, he graduated from Wayne High School in 2014. Nick then went on to skillfully learn his father’s trade of installing windows and doors, while also getting upset and throwing his tools when the level was wrong.

Nick lived life in the fast lane—a fact that several local police officers and a collection of speeding tickets could easily attest to. He loved to “roll coal” in his dad’s blue Cummins, polluting our beautiful planet without a care. Nick amassed many friends through his online life while playing video games, all of whom laughed endless hours with him through many adventures. He was excited to finally be able to play Grand Theft Auto 6, so, please play it for him if you have the means to do so.

Waiting for him on the other side with a mix of open arms and exhaustion from his antics is his father, Michael McGowan, as well as his grandparents, James and Patsy Nickell, and John and Helen McGowan, and numerous aunts and uncles. He leaves behind a void and an abundance of love for those who survived him, including his mother, Lisa Nickell; his sister, Jessica (Kyle) Day; his adored nephews, Samson and Elias Day; and a large, laughing circle of aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. There are not enough words in the dictionary to describe how much he will be missed, and how much he is loved.

If you would like to join us in paying our respects to him, you can meet us for a public viewing on Friday October 2nd from 4:20pm- 7:00pm at Belton-Stroup Funeral Home, 422 E. Dayton Yellow Springs Rd, Fairborn, OH 45324.

Funeral services will commence on Saturday October 3rd at 10:00 AM at General Baptist Church, 155 Vine St., Fairborn, OH 45324, Pastor Mark Long officiating. Following the service a procession will go to Byron Cemetery for a graveside committal. The family will then welcome all in attendance to return to General Baptist Church for food and fellowship.