Frederick David Bowen

Frederick David Bowen, our hero, of Mendon passed away July 2nd 2013. Putting an end to a long courageous battle with transverse myelitis, which left him paralyzed from the chest down for 13 years. He would have been 84 years old next Wednesday, on July 10th 2013. Dad was born to goodly parents, William Clair Bowen and Elsie Hunter Bowen in Logan Utah. His childhood was spent in River Heights, where he would catch frogs with Wendall Blaurer so they could have frog legs for dinner. He was a resident of the famous "Marindale Avenue" in Logan, Cedar City, and finally in Mendon on the farm. He was a hard working son, hauling hay at a very young age and milking cows before going to school.
He is a proud graduate of South Cache High class of 1947 where he was active in sports. There he met a young cheerleader named June Murray Hill from Wellsville and made the best choice of his life. They were married in the Logan Temple and are now and forever will be eternal companions. This love was celebrated on their 65th Anniversary last week on July 28th 2013. Oh how they loved and lived.
The journey since then has led them to many places and they have been together for all of them. They lived in White Hall, Montana where dad was a ranch hand and mom was the cook. Then the call came, for service in the US Marine Corp. Starting with boot camp in Camp Pendleton in California; and then Camp Lejeune in North Carolina, where Corporal Bowen served as a supply clerk during the Korean Conflict.
Following his military service, they bought their first and only home in Mendon. Where, after 8 years of marriage they were finally blessed with 2 children, Eric and Nicole. But they were also 'mom and dad' to many others, and they know who they are, each one were loved as their own. Dad was an example at all times of what he expected his children to become – and in return he was dearly respected and loved.
Dad has a love for the outdoors and all that nature could allow him to see. His favorite thing to do was to plant a garden and watch it grow, as dad was never in a hurry for anything. He gave most of his garden away quietly to others, usually just left on their front steps. His cantaloupes were the sweetest and his pumpkins the biggest. He loved raising rabbits and sheep in Best of Show fashion. He danced and taught ballroom dancing with mom to countless mutual aged kids and could cut a rug with the best of them at the Elite Hall. He was already ready for an adventure with family and 'The Gang'. Snowmobiling, cutting wood, pancakes at Bear Lake, a good game of horseshoes and tall tales of hunting and fishing. He was famous for his campfire songs and bursting out into yodeling. He loved spending time with his Bowen siblings and mom's siblings – they were dear to his heart. His greatest joy was the arrival of his grandchildren. He taught them to work hard, serve others, and avoid "getting thumped" by
Bampa. Dad worked road construction for Jack Parson, as a ranch hand at Spring Creek Ranch, and retired as a Small animal technician at the Poisonous Plant Research Department at Utah State University. He was an active member of the LDS church as a High Priest. He served for many years in the Sunday School Presidency and as a Ward Clerk. Fred is survived by his true love and friend, June H. Bowen; children Eric David Terri Mendon, Nicole Hillary Del Sandy. 9 grandchildren and their spouses, and 8.5 great grand-children. Siblings: Gary Roberta, Clare Pat, Suzan Ed, Mike Lorraine sister in law LaVoy, Aunt Bo, and numerous amazing nieces and nephews. Fred was preceded in death by his parents, Brother, Robert LaVoy / Bo, father and mother -in-law, Ray P Hill and Elizabeth Hendry Hill, and beloved Hill brother and sister-in-laws.
Funeral services will be Saturday, July 6th 2012 at the Old LDS Mendon Church House at 20 North and 100 West in Mendon. A viewing will be prior to the funeral from 10:00 AM to 11:45 AM. Burial will be in the Mendon Cemetery with full Military Rites. Condolences may be extended to the family online at www.nelsonfuneralhome.com
A heartfelt thank you for the most compassionate staff at Sunshine Terrace as well as the numerous Home Health care nurses while he was home. Dad's life was blessed by friends, neighbors, and family who never, ever, ever forgot him. "You Did It Dad – Oh Happy Day" You are loved.