Obituary: Bowen, Robert “Bob”

BOWEN, Robert “Bob” Robert “Bob” Bowen reached his goal of 90 years old before passing after a battle with cancer and the ravages of a long life well spent in work.

Bob was born September 20, 1923 and passed September 25, 2013, five days past his 90th birthday; a victory in reaching his self-imposed goal.

Bob was a Veteran of WWII and served on various islands in the Pacific Theatre, including Saipan.

Upon his return to the states, Bob joined the VFW and was a lifetime member of the Kellogg, Idaho VFW.

Bob worked at a variety of jobs after military service including driving truck for more than 35 years and earned safe driving recognition awards for more than a million miles of safe driving.

He was a proud member of Local 690 Teamsters for more than 20 years.

Bob married his wife of 63 years, Donis (Clawson), and they worked hard to manage their farm near Spangle while raising their nine children: Janet, Biff (Linda), Dean (Joan), Susie (Bert), Hal, Patti (Stan), Paul (Pam), Abe (Marlene) and Debbie (Dave).

Bob and Doris were lifelong members of Paradise Grange and had a special interest in tree farming and conservation; which provided plenty of work for all, and hundreds or cords of wood and rough lumber from their sawmill for families throughout Spokane and Whitman counties.

Their work leaves 300 acres of beautifully managed Ponderosa pine and Douglas fir forest as their legacy.

In addition to his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren, Bob leaves behind two sisters Bellona Lassfolk of Smelterville, ID., and Flossie Larson of Lewiston, ID.

A memorial service will be held at Heritage Funeral Home, 508 N. Govt Way.

on Saturday, October 5, 2013 at 1:00 PM.

Graveside services with Military Honors will follow at Spokane Memorial Gardens.

Bob’s family would like to extend a heartfelt “Thanks” to Dr. Maryam Parviz for her care, kindness and compassion during his difficult journey to rest and peace.