Chaz Nathan McGowen, 28, passed away on Thursday September 30, 2021. He was born December 23, 1992 in Berrien Center, MI to Ronette Ketchum and Bret McGowen.
Chaz was an avid Michigan Wolverines fan, loved cooking, fishing, and being outdoors. He was happiest when he was with his family. Chaz had an infectious laugh and heartwarming smile. Despite his struggles, he loved and was loved deeply. He had a very loving and generous heart.
Chaz is survived by his mother Ronette Ketchum (Jimmy Page), his father Bret McGowen, sister Lacey (McGowen) Bailey (Bryant), grandparents Gene McGowen, Frank Magner, and Jim Ketchum, nieces Emerlin Bailey and Irelynn Bailey, all of Niles. Cousins Amber and Dale Olsen. Melissa Johnson, Sky Johnson, Kylee Johnson, Marissa Kay, Layla Kay, Nora Kay, and Todd Scansen. And his Godparents, Mike and Debbie Conley. He was preceded in death by his grandmothers Loretta Ketchum and Patricia McGowen and uncle Dennis Batchelor.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday October 19, 2021 at the First Church of Christ (Christian), 2240 Yankee St, Niles, MI 49120. Family and friends may visit at 3pm. Service at 4pm.
The family wishes to thank everyone who has donated in his name and for the outpouring of love and support we have received.
Offer Condolence for the family of Chaz Nathan McGowen
Print Obituary & Condolences
Jessica Matlock
Chaz was simply amazing. I have grown to love him so much just in the short time I got to spend with him. I miss him so much that it’s unbearable. I pray for peace in his loved ones life ❤️
Jonathon Lee McGowen
I am truly sorry for what happened to Chaz, he was a good guy and had so much to live for. I had just started building a relationship with him a year prior to his death. I wish I could have gotten to know him more than I did. I hope he is in a better place than what he had to go through. It is so unfortunately that he had to pass at the age he did. I pray he is watching over his loved ones closely. I pray for the healing of his mother and father and they are able to find some sort of closure with this.
Stacey ann
I went to school with Chaz I remember playing with him on the play ground. Tho we were not close in recent life, he held a special place in my heart. Always had. Smile that could warm a whole room. I am so sorry for your loss. I know he was a good person and a good friend.
Mindy Beers
I only knew Chaz as a beautiful baby toddler that I babysat back on Ironwood. His grandma Pat was my bus driver. I’ll always remember him this way. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. People deserve more compassion than is often offered by our society nowadays.
Laurie Zablocki Schrader
It breaks my heart to hear this. I can not believe how many of my boys friends (in the last couple years) that are gone to soon. It should scare us all, to think of what our world is coming too. My oldest has struggles also, it’s unreal to even imagine what your going through ( both of you ) Your in my prayers. Talk to him daily, he hears your every word. I promise ❤️
julieblackwell
My deepest sympathy and condolences goes out to Chaz’s family. He will be greatly missed . That infectious smile and playful disposition will always leave ideligable traces along the pathways my heart. Despite the struggles that he endured he loved hard . In the many quiet moments and conversation that we had he never failed to mention the Love he shared with his sister Lacy and his mother and making sure to remind me that his grandma Loretta was his favorite person in the whole world as she was one of mine. Constantly regailing me with tales of the time that he spent with her and the things she had done for him. He also conveyed his wish to mend the gap in his relationship with his father. While expressing his love for his family he also expressed his wishes of having his own family some day. I know Chaz is in a better place now however it deeply saddens me that he he had to leave us all at such a young age. Having said that Rest In Peace my friend and please watch over and protect us all until we meet again.
MsLula
I’m so sorry for the family,I pray that you guys find peace! Hope chaz is walking around heaven all day with my wannie!