Jerry Bowen

With a life that spanned times of war and times of peace, times of plenty and times of want, Jerry Bowen made the most of the days he was given while holding his loved ones near and dear to his heart. He worked hard, but he also took the time to enjoy life along the way as he enjoyed so many things over the years. Jerry was deeply devoted to his wife and children, but he just might have argued that nothing was better than becoming a grandfather and a great-grandfather later in life. A man of faith, Jerry willingly used his time and talents to help others in ways both great and small. Deeply loved, he will be forever missed.

The 1930s were primarily defined by the dark days of the Great Depression. With an unemployment rate that soared to over 25 percent, there were few Americans who didn’t feel the strain. Although things were looking up as the 1930s were drawing to a close, we still had a long recovery ahead of us. It was as the last days of 1939 were on the horizon that William and Pearl (Barber) Bowen were eagerly anticipating the birth of their new baby as winter held Marshall, Michigan, firmly in its grip. The big day finally arrived on December 31st when the baby boy they named Jerry drew his first breath. He was the youngest of 12 as he was joined in his family by his siblings, Marvel, Jo, Lucy Ann, Darlene Kay, Peg, Barb, Helen, Bill, John, Max, and a baby who died in infancy.

Raised in Union City, Jerry was a young boy of his generation in many ways. To support their family, his parents were hard working farmers. Jerry also worked on the farm in addition to attending local schools. He wasn’t able to graduate, however, as he left school to work instead, which was fairly common during that time. After working on the farm, he took a job at Oldsmobile. Finally, Jerry worked as a foreman at Perfection Tool and Printing.

Not to be forgotten during Jerry’s working years was his introduction to the young woman of his dreams. Her name was Patricia, and they met while working in the onion fields together. They began dating, and it wasn't long before they found themselves deeply in love. With a desire to spend the rest of their lives together, Jerry and Patricia were married on July 26, 1986, marking the beginning of a new chapter in a love story that would span 31 years. Together they welcomed six children including Jerry Jr., Darlene, Pam, Dawn, Sandy, and Zachary into their hearts and home. They also had dog named Spanky, and Jerry truly loved that dog. As a family they enjoyed vacations to Texas, West Virginia, Arkansas, and Indiana.

Throughout his life Jerry was a man of many interests. He loved cars. Jerry not only worked as a body repairman for years, but he also worked on cars just as a hobby. Although he wasn’t able to cook or even boil water without burning it, Jerry loved food. Among his favorite foods were homemade noodles and homemade pizza. Jerry enjoyed watching Tigers baseball, listening to country music, and John Deere tractors. In past years, Jerry was active in the church. When his family grew to include grandchildren and great-grandchildren, he enjoyed spending time with them.

All who knew Jerry Bowen would agree that there was no one quite like him. He had the gift of gab, and it has even been said that one just couldn’t shut him up! Jerry loved joking around and sharing laughter with those around him. Life will never be the same without him here, but he leaves behind a priceless collection of memories that his loved ones will forever cherish.

Jerry Bowen, of Otsego, passed away on December 18, 2017, at Life Care Center in Plainwell. Jerry’s family includes his wife, Patricia; children: Jerry (Cathy) Bowen, Darlene (Bill) Dennis, Pam Bowen, Sandy Bowen, and Zachery Bowen; 15 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; as well as several nieces and nephews. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Dawn; and his 11 siblings. Visit with his family and friends and view his life story film on Friday, December 22, 2017, from 4:00 – 7:00 at the Life Story Funeral Home, Plainwell; 120 Woodhams St. (685-5881). A funeral service will be held on Saturday, December 23 at 2:00 at the same location. Please visit Jerry’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can read his life story, archive a memory or photo, and sign his memory book online. Memorial contributions can be made to Lighthouse Baptist Church.