Roll of Honor
Incident
Marshal Gowdy was shot and killed during a shootout with three suspects. He was exchanging shots with two suspects when a third man shot him from behind. The three suspects were attempting to burglarize the Iron Bridge Distillery.
Survivors
Marshal Gowdy was survived by his wife, three daughters, son, parents and two brothers.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-MO-E5D9C90E- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew W.. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Constable Gowdy served with the Liberal Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Liberal community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Constable Gowdy.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Constable W. Earl Gowdy is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 54.2% of all 32,508 officers honored here.
In MO, 516 of 813 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 63.5% of this state's fallen. That is 9.3 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. W. Earl Gowdy's cause is highlighted.
How W. Earl Gowdy Compares
Offender Outcome
Not available
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. W. Earl Gowdy is highlighted in Feb.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. W. Earl Gowdy was killed by gun; unknown type.