William Kelly Gowins, 58, of New Philadelphia, died unexpectedly at his home on Wednesday evening of March 19, 2025.
Kelly was born at Twin City Hospital in Dennison, Ohio to the late Arthur “Bill” and Karen (Poole) Gowins on June 14, 1966. He graduated from Indian Valley South in 1984 and then enlisted in the U.S. Navy. Due to some health issues, his time served was cut short and he went on to receive his associate’s degree from Muskingum Tech. Kelly then began his career in the outdoors, starting with the Tappan Nature Center, moving on to the Attorney General’s office on the environmental background unit, then as a park ranger at Charles Mill Lake. Kelly also served as a mounted deputy for the Tuscarawas County Sheriff’s Department alongside his father Bill.
In his free time, Kelly loved to go hunting and fishing and enjoyed painting when he wasn’t outside. He also attended the John Heckewelder Memorial Moravian Church in Gnadenhutten.
Surviving is his son Christian Gowins of Cleveland, sister Debbie (John) Wellman of Galloway, and two nephews: Zach (Amy) Wellman and Ian Wellman.
Other than his parents, Kelly is only preceded in death by his grandparents, Shirley and Bill.
A memorial service for Kelly will be held on June 14, 2025, beginning at 2:00 P.M. at Koch Funeral Home of Gnadenhutten, 244 N. Walnut St., 44629. Rev. Dave Geyer will officiate the service. Memorial contributions may be made in Kelly’s name to the American Heart Association, https://www.heart.org/.
Koch Funeral Home, LLC
244 N. Walnut Street
Gnadenhutten, OH 44629
740.254.4200
www.kochfhgnaden.com
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of William Kelly Gowins, please visit our floral store.