Allen B. Bowen

November 15, 1920 - August 1, 2019

Allen B. Bowen, a proud veteran of World War II who ran search lights in the Army to watch for enemy aircraft, died peacefully surrounded by family on August 1, 2019 at Eaton Community Palliative Care. Allen, 98, of Portland and formerly of Vermontville was born November 15, 1920 in Tecumseh to Claude and Helen (Bunting) Bowen. Always a tender hearted man who would give you the shirt off his back, Allen will be greatly missed by his extensive family and friends. He was very proud of his children and grandchildren and their achievements in college, jobs, and in their lives. Growing up he was part of a large family that valued farming, and that carried into adulthood as he became a member of the Michigan Farmers Hall of Fame, and was a member of the Battle Creek Pony Association. A lifelong farmer, Allen was also a DHIA milk tester and enjoyed going to horse and tractor pulls as well for enjoyment. Allen worked for the County Road Commission driving truck until his retirement in 1982. In his spare time, he also enjoyed dancing, playing cards, watching Detroit Tigers baseball, wood working in his shop, and he refurbished a horse-drawn buggy. He was also a lifelong member of the American Legion Post 222 in Vermontville. Allen is survived by his daughters, Catherine (William) Nichols and Janice (Mark) Kersjes; 7 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and 7 great-great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his wife of 59 years, Beatrice in May of 2000; second wife, Jeanette; and his siblings, Eloise, Ima Jean, Freddy, Collene, Claude, Wayne, and Richard. Friends are encouraged to support Allen's family at visitation and funeral services. Funeral services are Tuesday, August 6, 2019, 11:00 AM at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Pastor Gary Coleman officiating. Visitation is Monday, August 5, 2-4:00 PM and 6-8:00 PM at the funeral home. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Eaton Community Palliative Care or Maple Valley Memorial Scholarship fund. Friends and family are asked to share memories of Allen on his Tribute Page at www.PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.