Donald Lowell Bowen

July 28, 2017

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Donald Lowell Bowen, 86, of Colfax, passed away on Friday, July 28, 2017 at Homewood Health Campus in Lebanon.

He was born on August 23, 1930 in Colfax to Everett M. & Marie H. (Smith) Bowen.  He married Marilyn Southard on October 20, 1953 in Antioch and she survives. Don was a 1948 graduate of Colfax High School, earned his Bachelor Degree in Education from Indiana University, and his Masters Degree from Purdue University.  He served in the United States Army in the Counter Intelligence Corps from 1953 to 1955.  Don taught math & science at Jackson Township, Thorntown, Colfax, & Clinton Prairie High Schools from 1952, retiring in 1974. During his tenure at Thorntown, he served as assistant principal, athletic director, and coach.   Don farmed full time from 1974 until recently.

He was a member of Colfax United Methodist Church, a charter member of the Colfax Lions Club, past District Governor, & Director of Lions International Eye Bank, along with receiving the W.P. Woods Award from Lions International.  He was instrumental in developing the Lions Club Park in Colfax and laid out the original baseball field which is now named “Don Bowen Field”.  His other memberships include Colfax EMS, and he served on the Colfax Public Library & Clinton County Hospital boards.  Don loved to sing & play music by ear, especially the music that he composed, and he also enjoyed crossword puzzles.

Memorial donations may be made in Don’s honor to Colfax Lions Club and Alzheimer’s Association with envelopes available at the funeral home.

Visitation and Services

Friends may visit 4-8 p.m. Monday, July 31, 2017 at Archer-Weston Funeral & Cremation Center in Frankfort.  A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, August 1, 2017 at the Colfax United Methodist Church, with visitation one hour prior to the service at the church.  Burial will follow in Plainview Cemetery.

Survived by:

Surviving along with his wife Marilyn are his Children:  Rita (Jim) Neidlinger of Frankfort, Eric (Elaine) Bowen, Anne (Shawn) Nash, & Amy (Mark) Heidt of Colfax;  Grandchildren:  Adam Neidlinger (Marcus) of Chicago, IL, Jill Bowen (Fiance:  Chris) of Colfax, Craig Bowen of Colfax, Shane (Holly) Heidt of Noblesville, Kyle (Bailey) Martin of Russiaville, Heather (Justin) Longenberger of Michigantown, Dekota Heidt of Frankfort, Drew Rodehan of Frankfort, & Tori Martin of Colfax;  along with 5 Great Grandchildren.

Preceded by:

He was preceded in death by his parents, an infant brother:  Earl, and a son-in-law:  Jason Martin.

Memorial Video

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11 Condolences for “Donald Lowell Bowen”

  1. CLAUDE SPARKS July 28, 2017 at 9:41 pm

    When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure, Don will be a treasure in the hearts of many. Our thoughts and prayers are with Marilyn and the family…..God Bless you all,, Sparky (Claude) and Kathy Sparks

    Reply
  2. Karon McColley July 28, 2017 at 10:45 pm

    Marilyn & Family,

    I am so sorry to hear of Don’s passing. We both started teaching at Clinton Prairie in Aug 1968; it was my first year, but Don had a few years under his belt by that time. I always liked him because he was a good man. Peace be with all of you.

    Reply
  3. Dana Neese July 29, 2017 at 7:32 am

    All of you will continue to be in my prayers! Praying for peace and comfort in knowing that you will be reunited!
    You were my first neighbors,and remain in my heart! Don always had a kind word and a smile to watch!

    God Bless!!

    Reply
  4. Jan Kersey July 29, 2017 at 10:35 am

    Marilyn and family,
    So very sorry to read this news. Don was a great man, fine teacher and community person. I remember him so well as
    our Math teacher at Thorntown H.S. Our Dad and Mom sure liked Don and his teaching abilities and ways with kids. He
    always called on Gary and his paint crew when painting was needed and Gary always spoke so highly of both of you.
    He will be missed. So so sorry for your loss. Love and prayers.
    Jan and Gary Kersey

    Reply
  5. Richard l. Strawn July 29, 2017 at 10:38 am

    You are in our thoughts prayers. Fortunately you enjoyed him for many years. Obviously he was was vary active in the Colfax area

    Reply
  6. Chuck& Joy Watkins July 30, 2017 at 7:59 am

    Marilyn, we are so sorry for your loss. Don was such a gentle and caring man. He will be greatly missed. If you or the family need anything, please call.

    Reply
  7. Nicki Stillings July 30, 2017 at 1:47 pm

    My thoughts are with all the members of Don’s family. In the almost 30 years I worked at CPHS, many members of the family worked for the Clinton Prairie Community in one capacity or another. Don’s son, daughters, and grandchildren were a pleasure to know and an asset to the school. Don was always such a friendly and caring person and it was good to have known him.

    Reply
  8. Lois Way Hammons July 31, 2017 at 8:20 am

    I had Mr. Bowen for mathematics (several classes) and for chemistry while attending Thorntown High School. He was one of my favorite teachers. He knew what he was teaching and I’ll not soon forget the 5 question quizes he gave us in chemistry. Due to my chemistry experience under his teaching I went on to get a minor in chemistry at the college level.

    I am sorry for your loss and sometimes life hands us things we don’t like. However, we do have memories that will remain and comfort us.
    Sincerely,
    Lois Way Hammons

    Reply
    • Marilyn Bowen August 7, 2017 at 9:02 am

      Thank you so much for the kind words, am glad he had an influence on your life, and many others. He was a wonderful husband, father, and grandpa, we all loved him so much.

      Reply
  9. Cindy Reeder July 31, 2017 at 9:56 am

    To the Bowen family,
    I am very sorry to hear of Don’s passing. He sound like a great person to have known. May God give you peace and comfort at this difficult time. God bless!

    Reply
  10. Janet Gish July 31, 2017 at 8:54 pm

    Marilyn & Family
    Sorry to hear of Don’s passing, my prayers will be with you.
    Janet Gish & Family

    Reply

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