2/20/1939 – 7/3/2024
Lawrence, KS
John E. Bowen, 85, of Lawrence, KS passed away in McHenry, Illinois, on July 3, 2024. John was born on February 20, 1939, in Kalamazoo, MI, the son of Donald and Katherine (Everett) Bowen.
Growing up in Kalamazoo with his brother and sister, he loved spending time at his family’s lake cottage in Elk Rapids that his grandfather built in the 1920s. He was a swimmer, sailor, and helped maintain the cottage every summer. He was very proud of the cottage and loved to share photos dating back to when it was only a tent & a couple of stones. After some college, he worked for his parents’ insurance business. After hours, he worked with troubled youth. That is where he met his future wife, Carol Anne Woodard, another volunteer. They married in April of 1969 in Kalamazoo, MI.
With three kids, Andrea, Bill, and Toma, they moved from Kalamazoo to Lawrence Kansas where he worked in insurance, traveling Kansas.
He enjoyed Lawrence immensely and decided to stop traveling. Inspired by his wife’s love of chocolates, he opened a small shop, Chocolate Unlimited, priding himself on introducing Lawrence to fine chocolates, dipped cherries, and classic soda fountain treats in frosted glasses.
He closed the store in the late 80s and worked at Radio Shack until he retired. If you happened by with “a question, he had the answer”, personally programming the early cell phones, helping customers set up their entertainment centers, and enjoying catching up with everyone passing through.
In his spare time, he was a bit of a tinkerer, with several projects going (some of them finished). He and his wife also continued helping youths, students and young families in need.
Although happy, he suffered from dementia, and slowly slipped away till his passing. We hope and wish the best to people suffering from dementia. Memorials can be made in John’s honor to the Alzheimer’s Association or the future Memory Care wing of Valley Hi Nursing Home.
Him and his smile will be missed.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brother James F. Bowen, and sister Anne Bowen Bridges.
John is survived by his wife Carol; his children Andrea Bowen of Ashville, NC, Bill Bowen of Redondo, CA, and Toma Bowen of Venice, CA; and three grandchildren Sean, Caleb, & Sydney.
Friends and family may sign the online guestbook at www.saundersfhc.com. Call Saunders Funeral Home & Crematory for more information at 815-420-3030.
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