Obituary of Llewellyn Dale Bowen

Llewellyn Dale Bowen, 92, a Michigan native, passed away peacefully in Niles, surrounded by his family on Wednesday, August 20, 2014 at Riveridge Manor, following an illness. Dale was born on February 8, 1922 in Grandville, Michigan to the late Lyle V. and Gladys (Wedgewood) Bowen. Gladys passed away a year after Dale's birth and he was primarily raised by his loving step-mother Helen (Cromwell) Bowen. On March 1, 1952 Dale married the love of his life, Doris Mae Norton in Jacksonville, Florida. At the time of his death, Dale and Doris had been married 62 years, remaining devoted to each other and their family. After graduating from Grandville High School, Dale attended and graduated from the Naval Academy of the Class of 1946. As a pilot, Dale served as a squadron commander and proudly noted 455 aircraft carrier landings. A career Navy man of 33 years, Captain L. D. Bowen retired in 1975 to pursue a teaching degree in secondary education at Northern Michigan University. He taught chemistry, physics, math, general science and calculus until his 1991 retirement. The 1985 and1988 Teacher of the Year coached girls' volleyball and Cross Country teams. Dale was a lifelong learner who continually read books on diverse topics ranging from quantum physics to the complete works of Shakespeare. He was known to have a positive outlook and a generous and honorable spirit. He served as a deacon and elder of the Flushing Presbyterian church and on the city council of Montrose, Michigan for several years. He was a member of the Montrose Lions' Club for 25 years and served terms as Treasurer and President. He received the Distinguished Service Award from the Montrose Lions Club in 2007. He also stepped in as Interim City Manager of Montrose, was involved in the United Way Fund Raisers Drive and in numerous community activities. After moving to Niles in 2007, the Bowens became members of St. John's United Church of Christ. Psalm 15 aptly describes Dale's character and how he lived his life. Dale is preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Mary Jane Haskins; and a daughter Deborah Bowen in 2013. Because Deborah was developmentally disabled, Dale and Doris worked together to ensure the quality of her care with unwavering love. He is survived by his wife Doris Bowen of Niles, three daughters; Carol (Rojelio) Castillo of Niles, Denise (Matthew) Dawkins of Houston, Texas and Mary Ann (Robin) Paquette of Berrien Springs, six grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and a sister Donna (Eugene) Alkema of Ada, Michigan. A memorial to honor Dale's life will be held on Sunday, August 31, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. at Brown Funeral Home in Niles with Pastor Harry Clark, officiating. A time of visitation will begin at 1:00pm on Sunday. Memorial contributions may be made in Dale's memory to www.alz.org. The last few years of life would find Dale discussing, planning, and participating in great adventures and trips with those close to him. His desire to "see more of the world" followed him to his last breath. He is greatly missed.