Obie Bowen

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.

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