Lou (James Louis) BOWEN

GEDCOM Note

J.L. Bowen Passes Away; Funeral Thursday The sudden death of Mr. J.L. Bowen early Monday morning cast a pall of sadness in this community. Seemingly in his usual good health he attended worship service Sunday morning and called on relatives that afternoon and evening. Shortly after returning home about ten o'clock he complained of not feeling well. Mrs. Bowen had gone downstairs for medicine to relieve him, but returning just a few minutes later found him unconscious, having suffered a cerebral hemorrhage. he lingered on until about 8 a.m. when his spirit took flight to realms eternal. Mr. Bowen will be sadly missed, not only in the home but by all who knew him. He possessed a quiet, undemonstrative nature, but was ever ready to lend a helping hand and be of service. He loved his home and family and took a special delight in being with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Expressions of regret at his passing are wide-spread and are generally followed by the remark: "He was certainly a GOOD man." Funeral services will be held tomorrow, Thursday, afternoon May 5, at 2:00 o'clock at the Methodist church, with the pastor, Reverend George W. Baker, officiating. Casket Bearers will be: Lloyd Merrick, Lushen Inman, Leonard Knoop, Charles Briggs, Martin Nelson, Wilmar Carbee. Interment at Riverside cemetery, with Weaver's in charge. James Louis Bowen was born the son of William L. and Esther M. Bowen on September 20, 1875 at Rockford, Iowa. He died at his home in Rockford, Iowa, the morning of May 2, 1955. He was taken ill during the night and died in a few hours as the result of a stroke. He was 79 years, 7 months and 12 days old. With the exception of 5 years while living in Marshalltown, Iowa, he spent his entire life in the Rockford community. For a number of years he engaged in farming and later retired, moving to Rockford. On November 23, 1904, he was united in marriage with Pearl Alma Pickett at Earling, South Dakota. They became the parents of five children. One daughter died in infancy. He is survived by his wife, a son, Lloyd R. of Bremerton, Washington; threedaughters, Ferne (Mrs. E.D. White) of Mitchell, Iowa; Bernice of Middleport, Ohio; and Esther (Mrs. Lester H. Kock) of Rudd, Iowa; also ten grandchildren and three great grandchildren. Other relatives include a brother, S.W.J. Bowen of Artesia, California, and a sister, Cora A. Bowen of Boone, Iowa; also several nieces and nephews. One of the very happy occasions in the life of Mr. and Mrs. Bowen was the observance of their Golden Wedding in November of 1954. The entire family of children and grandchildren, except for one grandson serving in the Armed Forces, was present forthe occasion. In 1908 he became a member of the First Methodist church in Rockford and through the years has been most faithful. For many years he has been a Trustee of the Church and a member of various committees. He has served the community as Assessor, Township Clerk, Secretary of the School Board and in many other ways. His smile, his friendly, genial personality, his calm manner, his ever cordial greeting will be missed by his many, many friends.

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James Louis (Lou) and Pearl Bowen farmed 2 miles east of Rockford, Iowa for 6 years, then moved to town in Rockford where Lou hauled cream for the Rockford Creamery. In 1913, the family moved to Marshalltown where Lou was in partnership with his brother, Judd, in a Kodak and Book store, and were also engaged in photography and in developing and printing Kodak film. In 1918, Lou decided to go back into farming and they with their 4 children moved to a farm 2 1/2 miles west of Rockford. in the fall of 1929, they moved to Rockford, Iowa, where Lou worked at different occupations - - for awhile for Earl Lorenz in his meat market, for Lloyd Merrick on the farm, etc. Both Lou and Pearl were very active in the Rockford Methodist Church.