Memorial to Ken Bowen

Memorial: Kenneth Wayne Bowen ( 1945 - 2001)

There are many things in life we cannot understand,
But we must trust God's judgment and be guided by his hand...
And all who have God's blessing can rest safely in his care,
For he promises safe passage on the wings of faith and prayer.
In memory of my loving father, Kenneth Wayne Bowen who passed away at the young age of 56, July 13th, 2001 in Fort Worth, Texas.

I have put off writing this memorial about my Dad for weeks now, simply because it is so unbelievably hard to try and express in words what a truly special man he was. He was so much more than a 'father', a husband or a son. He had a heart of gold, a man who would walk miles for family or a friend. A man who would help anyone no matter the situation. He had a smile that lasted forever and a laugh that no one could forget; but most importantly, he loved his family.
Dad proudly gave over 27 years to the United States Air Force and received many honors along the way. From Vietnam to England, Germany and Italy, he had many friends Worldwide and left a lasting impression on them all. As a teenager, I remember shining his boots for an inspection, they had to be perfect for him. With his uniform crisp, I was always so proud of him when he walked out the door in his dress blues, his hair slick and perfect. He was so proud to serve his country.

After his retirement he took a job at the United States Federal Reserve and quickly worked his way into upper management. When they had troubles it was Dad they called. He was very respected and loved and knew his job. He gave 110%, which he seemed to do in everything he did. He received top honor as Manager of the year in 2000.

I'll never forget the day he called to tell me about his new Website. He was going to trace our family tree and the excitement in his voice was addicting. He explained all he had already found and everything he planned to accomplish. I knew he would succeed because that was Dad; when he set his mind to something he gave it his all and dedicated so much time and energy to it. He spent countless hours at the computer and library and never got discouraged when he came upon a dead end. It seemed to give him more ammunition to look harder.

There are so many stories that I could share of time spent with Dad that have had a lasting impression on myself.   He told stories that built character with his children and made us proud to be 'Bowens', but I would have to go on forever. You see every minute spent with him seemed to teach me something or instill a new value in me. He taught me to be honest, give my best in everything I do, to show respect, to have an open mind, and an open heart. But most of all, to be proud of who I am and where I came from. It's because of this that I would have to say Dad's best accomplishment was being a father and a daddy, and I miss him terribly.
                                                            Donna Bowen Tate
                                                            September 8, 2001

Graphics by Wendy's Web Creations

	There are many things in life we cannot understand, But we must trust God's judgment and be guided by his hand... And all who have God's blessing can rest safely in his care, For he promises safe passage on the wings of faith and prayer. In memory of my loving father, Kenneth Wayne Bowen who passed away at the young age of 56, July 13th, 2001 in Fort Worth, Texas.
	I have put off writing this memorial about my Dad for weeks now, simply because it is so unbelievably hard to try and express in words what a truly special man he was. He was so much more than a 'father', a husband or a son. He had a heart of gold, a man who would walk miles for family or a friend. A man who would help anyone no matter the situation. He had a smile that lasted forever and a laugh that no one could forget; but most importantly, he loved his family. Dad proudly gave over 27 years to the United States Air Force and received many honors along the way. From Vietnam to England, Germany and Italy, he had many friends Worldwide and left a lasting impression on them all. As a teenager, I remember shining his boots for an inspection, they had to be perfect for him. With his uniform crisp, I was always so proud of him when he walked out the door in his dress blues, his hair slick and perfect. He was so proud to serve his country.
	After his retirement he took a job at the United States Federal Reserve and quickly worked his way into upper management. When they had troubles it was Dad they called. He was very respected and loved and knew his job. He gave 110%, which he seemed to do in everything he did. He received top honor as Manager of the year in 2000. I'll never forget the day he called to tell me about his new Website. He was going to trace our family tree and the excitement in his voice was addicting. He explained all he had already found and everything he planned to accomplish. I knew he would succeed because that was Dad; when he set his mind to something he gave it his all and dedicated so much time and energy to it. He spent countless hours at the computer and library and never got discouraged when he came upon a dead end. It seemed to give him more ammunition to look harder.
	There are so many stories that I could share of time spent with Dad that have had a lasting impression on myself. He told stories that built character with his children and made us proud to be 'Bowens', but I would have to go on forever. You see every minute spent with him seemed to teach me something or instill a new value in me. He taught me to be honest, give my best in everything I do, to show respect, to have an open mind, and an open heart. But most of all, to be proud of who I am and where I came from. It's because of this that I would have to say Dad's best accomplishment was being a father and a daddy, and I miss him terribly. Donna Bowen Tate September 8, 2001