Bob Bowen, Sr

Bob Bowen, Sr, 88, of Flat Rock, IL, died September 10, 2019, at the Magnolia Center in Robinson, IL. He was born December 27, 1930, in Vincennes, IN, the son of Ralph Bowen & Golda (Wesner) Bowen, both of whom preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his sister, Thelma Bowen. He married the love of his life, Malcolm Lou Pinkstaff, on October 24, 1953, and she survives. He is also survived by his son & daughter-in-law, Bruce & Pam Bowen (Robinson, IL); by his daughter & son-in-law, Shelly & P.K. Frederick (Flat Rock, IL); by three grandchildren, Abraham & Milly Frederick, Courtney Bowen, and Jordan & Kelsa Bowen; and by two great-grandchildren, Wally Frederick and Amelia Frederick. Bob grew up in the Palestine area and was a graduate of Palestine High School. He would go on to proudly serve his country in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War, serving on the USS ARD-22 and ARD-31. Back home, he spent countless hours tending to cattle and other various livestock, all while working the fields as a farmer. Up until the very end of his life, he still enjoyed time spent outside mowing atop his tractor. He would eventually get on with the Highway Department, and found employment there for a number of years before going to work for CIPS. Here, he would work for several years as a gas journeyman before retiring in the mid 1990s. Away from work, Bob could often be found shooting pool, and even entered a number of tournaments in Texas, where he and Lou wintered every year. They traveled all over North America together, be that camping with their children or by themselves on his motorcycle. Simply put, they were partners in everything. He was a strong, capable provider, as evidenced by his relentless work ethic. Though he will be remembered as a private man, we recognize that actions speak louder than words. Thus, Bob Bowen will be remembered as a man of excellence. He was an active member of the Flat Rock Masonic Lodge #348 as well as the Danville Consistory. He was also a member of the Flat Rock American Legion Post #132. A man of faith, he was also a longtime member of the Flat Rock First Missionary Baptist Church. We who are left behind have the assurance that his faith has been made sight and that today, he is experiencing eternal life in the glory of God alongside his Savior. A time of visitation will be held from 9:00-11:00 a.m. on Friday, September 13th at the Flat Rock First Missionary Baptist Church. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday at the church with Pastor J.D. Branson officiating. Burial will be in the Jones Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the "Parkinson's Foundation", with the goal of making life better for people with Parkinson’s disease by improving care and advancing research toward a cure. Memorial envelopes will be available at the church. The Goodwine Funeral Home in Flat Rock is in charge of the arrangements.