William F. McGovern, age 87, retired Lieutenant Colonel, USAF, died Thursday, April 14, 2022, at his home in Guthrie, OK. He was born on June 9, 1934, in Pittsfield, Massachusetts to Francis and Nellie (Kerger) McGovern.
William “Bill” graduated from Oklahoma State University in 1956 where he received a BA degree in Business. While attending OSU he met his wife Karen (Steichen) McGovern. They married on September 20, 1958, at Mather Air Force Base in Sacramento, California. In 1978, after 25 years of service he retired from Tinker Air Force Base.
Bill and his wife moved from Oklahoma City to Guthrie in 1998. Bill loved Guthrie and was very involved in the community. He was president of the Lions Club, Chairman of the Bluegrass Festival, and played Santa Claus at the Christmas Victorian Walk. He was also a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church.
Survivors include his wife Karen of the home, son Patrick McGovern of Guthrie, daughter Susan Devonshire of Tulsa, son Dr. John McGovern and husband Brad Yoshimitsu of Denver, CO, and “bonus” son Bryan Smith of Oklahoma City. He is also survived by his sister Barbara Rondeau and family of Sanibel, FL and grandchildren Katherine Devonshire of Tulsa and Jey and Anthony McGovern of Ft. Worth, TX.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, brother Robert McGovern, son William (Billy) McGovern, II, and grandson, William Devonshire.
No services are planned at this time. Arrangements are under the direction of Hayes Funeral Home.
Friends and family may sign the online guestbook at www.hayesfh.com