Donald N. Bowen

Donald N. Bowen, age 73 of Midland died at the MidMichigan Medical Center on Sunday, February 22, 2009, surrounded by his family.

He was born on May 20, 1935 to the late Herbert F. and Hettie B. (Rider) Bowen. Don graduated from Midland High School in 1953, and then served in the Army RCT Regiment in Germany from 1953 to 1955. On October 6, 1956 he married the former Sharon Strauch of Saginaw. He was employed by Allied Technical Services as a mechanical designer working primarily inside Dow Chemical for 30 years, retiring in April 1995. Among his accomplishments was years of work in the design of the Drytech Plant.

Don was an avid outdoorsman and sportsman. In his early years he was one of Midland's top bowlers, and selected as a two time all-star, while also competing in 11 ABC tournaments, 25 state tournaments and 27 city tourneys. He was an avid golfer (Wolf Pack Member) loved snow skiing, water skiing, hunting, fishing, gardening, nature and the outdoors. Don also enjoyed traveling and had been on 9 cruises. Don will also be remembered for his love of dancing and enjoyed music while entertaining with his guitar. He was also a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Midland Elks Lodge 1610, American Legion Post 165, Midland Moose, and Midland Eagles Lodge.

Among his personal accomplishments, Don was a cross-country runner for Midland High School, setting a cross-country school record in 1953. He also ran cross-country for the 6th RCT regiment in Germany.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Sharon (Strauch) Bowen; his daughter, Kimberly Jo (Doug) Bejcek; his son, Scott D. (Kathy) Bowen; grandchildren, Eric Bejcek, Kayla Bejcek, and Madison Bowen. He is also survived by his brothers, Robert J. (Carol ) Bowen, Thomas L. (Reta) Bowen; sister, Doris E. (Edwin) Brown; sister in law, Patricia Bowen; and many nephews and nieces. He was predeceased by his brothers, Herbert Bowen Jr., Gerald Bowen, and sister, Nancy Bowen.

Funeral service will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, February 26, 2009 at Trinity Lutheran Church with the Rev. Gerald Ferguson officiating. Interment will be in Midland Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Visitation will be at the Wilson MILLER Funeral Home on Wednesday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. and at the church on Thursday from 10:00 a.m. until time of service. Memorials may be offered to Trinity Lutheran Church or to the Ernie Wallace Blood Bank.