Richard Henry Bowen Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Richard “Henry” Bowen passed away peacefully in the arms of his beloved wife, on August 6, 2019. Henry was born May 24, 1935 to Florence and Ernest Bowen in Santa Monica, California, in the home of his Grandparents. He was named after his two Grandfathers, Richard Charles Jex and Henry Bowen. He took on his middle name, Henry, because he had a grandfather, uncle and cousin Richard. He was raised with his older sister, Barbara, and older brother, Dean, on a farm in Fresno, California. Henry’s father was a plumber, who was raised on a ranch, because of his love for the ranching lifestyle and love of animals, when Henry was 9 months old, Ernest sold his plumbing business and bought a farm in the West Fresno area. World War II saw Henry’s family moving to Napa, to support the troops Henry’s dad worked at Mare Island Shipyard, providing plumbing services. It was while living in Napa, the time came for Henry to be baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The day for the baptism came, Henry’s uncle, Allan Woolley, was designated to baptize him, however the font or as more commonly known as the city swimming pool was too cold for Uncle Allan, so Brother Price baptized him, as he had just completed baptizing his daughter. World War II ended, the family moved back to the farm in Fresno, California. Henry attended Washington Union High School. He loved to tell people how he played at every football game for four years-he played the saxophone. Henry attended Fresno State for two years studying Accounting prior to his mission. Henry worked milking cows, during his high school years, and at this time he realized milking cows and the farm life was not for him. Henry was a great dancer, he loved to dance. Henry’s mother taught him to dance, when he was young. He enjoyed playing Softball (shortstop), volleyball, and various types of games (board, card, etc.) He enjoyed water skiing, driving the family boat, and swimming. Henry met Nancy Copple, after a sacrament meeting, she was attending Fresno General Hospital School of Nursing. Henry left for his mission, he served faithfully and diligently, in the British Mission (1955-1957), mostly in the Coventry and Manchester areas. Nancy wrote him weekly, while he was serving, during their correspondence, a love for each other grew. Henry returned home, from his mission and they became sweethearts and were married, in the Los Angeles, California Temple, on April 12, 1958. Two weeks after being married, Henry completed basic training for the Army at Fort Ord. He and Nancy then moved to Augusta, Georgia, for Henry to receive schooling for electronics-communications. Henry and Nancy moved to Germany, for his first assignment, after his completion of training. It was here they met friends, the Batemans and Hendricksons, who became like family, and welcomed their first child. Henry returned to the United States, after completing his military assignment, and secured an employment position with Pacific Telephone and Telegraph in San Bruno, California. Henry’s father, Ernest, was diagnosed with cancer and in order to help-out, Henry was able to transfer to his beloved Fresno, California, and Nancy, with her nursing experience helped as his caregiver, until his passing. Henry loved to tinker and fix things. He could fix just about anything. He took a class in TV repair, through the GI bill, and built a color television from scratch. He even had his own repair service, Bowen Small Appliance Repair. Henry was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints fulfilling many callings over his lifetime including: Gospel Doctrine Teacher, Ward and Stake Dance Director (for over 10 years), Cub Master and Scout Master (all four sons and all of his grandsons have obtained the Eagle Scout ranking and he received several scouting awards, including the Sequoia Medal, for the District), Elder’s Quorum President, High Priest Group Leader, Ward Clerk, Ward Financial Clerk, Temple Ordinance Worker, and helped Nancy in the Primary Nursery. Henry served several missions for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints these missions included, British Mission, two Stake Missions, a two-year mission in the Hmong Branch as Young Men’s President and Scout Master, two Family History missions in Salt Lake City, and the Austria Vienna Mission, serving in Croatia for 18 months, serving as Advisor to the Branch President in Zagreb, Branch President of the Split Branch, and handle finances for the Dalmatian Zone. His kind gentle heart enabled him to help many. Henry was a wonderful father to seven children and an incredible husband. He loved his family more than words can say. Henry’s infectious laughter and smile brought joy to the world and emulated, that of his Savior. Henry was a quiet gentle man, who loved God, family, and country. He enjoyed fixing broken things, camping, dancing, and serving others. He is preceded in death by his little girl, Elaine, mother, father, and his sister, Barbara Mae Gentry. He is survived by his loving wife, Nancy Fay Bowen, brother Dean Bowen, and children; David Richard (Rose Ann), Debra Fay Fitzpatrick (Shawn), Mark Ernest (Karen), Julie Ann Larsson (Butch), Chris William (Stephanie), John Henry (Lisa), 21 grandchildren and 32 great grandchildren with 3 more on the way. Funeral Services will be held Monday, August 12th, at 11:00 am, at the Lehi 23rd Ward, of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 650 East 3200 North, Lehi, Utah. Interment, Lehi City Cemetery, 1525 North 600 East, Lehi, Utah. Funeral Directors: Utah Valley Mortuary.

Richard Henry Bowen

May 24, 1935 - August 6, 2019

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