Special Tribute to Donald Keiron McGowin - December 14, 1970 to February 3, 2020

and to those who helped extend his life through their prayers

Isaiah 40:6b-8

“All flesh is grass and all its loveliness is like the flower of the field. The grass withers, the flower fades… but the word of our God stands forever.”

Someone said it is not the years in our life but the life in our years that matters most. Reflecting upon the life of Linda’s son Keiron, it was a unique honor to have known him. He was an accomplished man of raw faith and broad generosity. He was a good soldier of the cross!

Learning of his foreboding condition with pancreatic cancer in 2017, shock gave way to searching for options to fight the enemy. As the next step became apparent, a medical team was assembled at the University of Alabama Birmingham Hospital to perform the necessary radical surgery. They informed Keiron that he had a 15% chance of surviving the procedure.

July 20, 2018 was the appointed time. Family and friends gathered to pray over Keiron as he entered this shadowy turn of events. Fourteen hours later, he emerged having survived the ordeal. The prognosis from that point was questionable at best. Armed with curative aids and regular treatments along with lifestyle adjustments, Keiron battled on. He was valiant and complained little. He was driven to God and deepened in his personal faith as he trusted God with life and death. He found peace, not in a cheap way, but through the dark night. Linda and I remember the conversations, sometimes long, sometimes brief, but he fought on!

When the hemorrhaging started last year, his wife Dana and daughter Emma were conscripted into more intense warfare. Only God knows the challenge they faced. Back and forth to the ER dozens of times to stop the bleeding, always only temporarily. Their faithfulness will be remembered and rewarded.

Even during those trying times, Keiron served others visiting them and praying for them in their sicknesses and needs. He made a long trip to pray over his cousin who was dying from cancer herself. He told me he thought this was part of God’s plan for him.

He generously gave of himself. He dragged himself to work as he could and to attend his local church. He testified in a service. He loved his Sunday School class and the Discipleship Group. Keiron believed that God prolonged his life to “declare His works.” Psalm 118:17

As he gave witness out of his weakness, his strength would rebound. Contrary to human reasoning, our most effective witness is not when we are strong, but when we are weak.     2 Corinthians 12:9-10

Keiron’s hopeful testimony was felt by young and old, by those with means and those without means. Through it all, God used Keiron McGowin as an instrument of His grace.

On Sunday afternoon, February 2nd, Linda and I arrived at UAB to find Keiron in his waning condition. Offering to sit with him, now uncommunicative, we watched and prayed over him. At 4:30 AM the next morning, he left this earthly realm and entered completely into the conscious presence of God. Linda and I stood by his bedside with hands lifted without anger or doubting, commending his soul to the Heavenly Father thanking Him for a peaceful transition and for allowing us the joy of walking with him during the years God allowed.

No one knows a mother’s heart like another mother. Linda and I have often spoken of Mary, the mother of our Lord Jesus and what she must have experienced in those last three years of His life. Many of the ladies who represent our friends have diligently prayed for Keiron and Linda too. We are thankful. Her faith has grown deeper, even as Keiron’s did.

God was kind to give a son like Keiron to Linda and his father, John D. McGowin. The world was a better place because a son was born to them. Now we go forward in the glorious hope of the resurrection, knowing that saying goodbye is only a temporary thing. For those of us who know the Lord Jesus, this transition means a temporary detachment. But then on that day, we will all be reunited in His glorious manifest presence!

On behalf of Keiron and his entire family, thank each of you again for walking with us and praying for us during this part of our journey. Your flowers, memorial gifts and many expressions of love and support are deeply appreciated.    

Post by Keiron on April 17, 2019
PRAISE GOD!!!!! And Him ALONE!!!