Obie Bowen
August 10, 2016
Obie Bowen, 74, passed away Wednesday, August 10, 2016. Services will be held at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church, 3900 Ashworth Road in West Des Moines. Visitation will be Friday, August 12 from 6 to 8 p.m. The funeral service will be Saturday, August 13 at 2:00 p.m. with visitation one hour prior. Burial will be at Waukee Cemetery.
Obie was born March 20, 1942 to Robert and Gladys Bowen in Creston, IA. After graduating from Greenfield High School he served in the U.S. Army for two years during the Vietnam War. On August 10, 1968 he was united in marriage to Susan Keck in Maquoketa, IA. Obie worked as a dedicated service manager for 40 years with Case Power and Equipment, retiring in 2010. Anyone that knew Obie referred to him as the nicest person you’d ever meet. He never knew a stranger. His warmth and kindness spilled over to his fellow veterans as well. He was always there to send them off on the Freedom Flights. In addition, he was always thanking anyone in uniform for their service.
In his spare time, Obie enjoyed woodworking and building projects for the church, family and friends; gardening and biking on the trails. His faithful friend and four legged buddy, Toby, was always eager for his return from a ride.
Obie will be greatly missed by his wife of 48 years, Sue Bowen; daughter, Kim (Jess Wheelock) Bowen; and numerous other loving relatives and friends. Gaylord was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Kristine; siblings; Gary Bowen and Phyllis (Rex) Crees; and his father and mother-in-law, Al and Phoebe Keck.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church or to Mission Central in Mapleton, IA. Condolences may be expressed online at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Dallas and Linda Hakeman
08/14/2016
Sue and Kim,
We were shocked and saddened to learn of Obie's passing. Please accept our deepest sympathy for his loss. We hold you in thought and prayer.
Carrie and Ryan Dodd
08/12/2016
Kim and Family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Thinking of you and sending prayers.
Terri (Grafton) Anderson
08/12/2016
Sue & Kim; so sorry to hear of Obie's passing. I had the pleasure of stumbling upon him at a ball tourney we attended at Waukee about 2 yrs ago. He was a volunteer (of course, he had huge servants heart), I looked at him and gave him a huge hug....he hadn't changed a bit since u were babysitting me back in late 70's!! Nicest, kindest gentle giant ever!!
Jon West
08/12/2016
Obie Bowen was one of the nicest individuals I ever met in my life. I had the pleasure of working with Obie while I was employed with Case Power and Equipment. If ever there was a case for human cloning Obie Bowen would have been the perfect candidate. I offer my sincere sympathy to his family. I know Obie will be greatly missed!
Cloa Stream Faulkner
08/12/2016
So sorry for your loss. The Lord keep you in His care.
Fran Wierson
08/11/2016
So sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers for you and your family.
Bob and Rita Mowen
08/11/2016
Sue and family--So sorry to hear of your loss! We will keep you and Kim in our thoughts and prayers!!
Sigrid Battjes Thomas
08/11/2016
One half of a beautiful and loving couple is now in Heaven. Sue, I am so very saddened by your loss. I hold you in my heart and send you and Kim my deepest sympathy.
Love, Sigrid
Clayton and Cathi Turner
08/11/2016
We are so sorry for your loss. We always enjoyed his big smile. He is with our Savior now.
Rita (White) Ledford
08/11/2016
Susan: So sorry to hear of your loss. You and your family are in my prayers.
Steven and Julie(Glenn) Palmer
08/11/2016
Im very sorry to learn of this news today. Julie and I have you in our thoughts and prayers Sue and Kim.
Terry Sue
08/11/2016
Obie will truly be missed ! He was such a fun and friendly guy I will cherish the memories I have of him. Hugs to the entire Bowen Family. Love, Terry Sue, Marlon and Brittney.
Josie Morin
08/11/2016
I am in total shock. I just visited with Obie last week in Service when he was in at Shottenkirk. I sold him his vehicles. He was such a GREAT person. I loved visiting with him. I am so sad. Sending prayers to all the Bowen family. If there is ANYTHING you need, please let me know.
Amy Palmer Petersen
08/11/2016
Sue and Kim,
I am so saddened to hear of Obie's passing. What a sweet, loving man he was. All our love to you both.
Sincerely,
Amy, Hannah, Ethan and Audrey Petersen
Jim Knox
08/11/2016
Obie was one great guy! I enjoyed talking with him on the trail regularly.He will be missed! Sympathies to the Bowen family.