Ronnie J. Bowen

In Ronnie’s words, “I was born in Peoria in 1953 in an elevator headed down and I’ve been headed down ever since.”

Ronnie J. Bowen, age 70, of Barry, IL, passed away peacefully April 19, 2023, in his home.

Ronnie was born April 10, 1953, in Peoria, IL, a son of Jim and Hazel Spann Bowen. Ronnie had one true love in his life: Pam. They were married for over 45 years, and she preceded him in death October 24, 2019.

Ronnie graduated in 1971 from Barry High School, where he was a Pike County All-Star basketball player under the guidance of Coach Fray. They won many tournaments and championships. He attended Spoon River College in Canton, IL, before moving to Sacramento, CA, and becoming a certified sewing machine technician for more than two years. After that he worked for Parrack Oil for more than 20 years and for Pike County Landscaping for many years. He retired from Pike County Lumber. This entire time he was also running the business his dad started in 1962, Bowen Welding and Repair, thus making it one of the longest continuously operating businesses in Barry. He was active in the Barry Jaycees for many years and particularly enjoyed helping to plan, set up and act in the Jaycees’ annual Haunted House for Halloween. And for many years he enjoyed playing and coaching slow-pitch softball men’s league and co-ed league. Two of Ronnie’s favorite hobbies in life were music and his grandkids. He was known for his music and bands over the many years. He wrote many of the songs he played. On an acoustic guitar he may have been unmatched. 

He is survived by two sons, Stephen (Amanda) Bowen of Griggsville and Denton Bowen of Barry; twelve grandchildren, Zachary Bowen of Pittsfield, Noah and Ronin Bowen of Griggsville, Laklyn Westfall of Perry, Makie Bowen of Kinderhook, Cayden Fesler of New Canton, Hazel Jo and Orion Bowen of El Dara, Shelby Bowen of Quincy, Kali, and Tierni and Jace Kurtz of Barry. He is also survived by two sisters, Linda Fennell and Evelyn Holtschlag of Quincy; one brother, Curt (Mary) Bowen of Wylie, TX; a daughter-in-law, Amanda Bowen of El Dara, and numerous brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, and cousins. 

Ronnie was preceded in death by his loving wife, Pam Bowen; their son, Lance Bowen; his parents, Jim and Hazel Bowen; his parents-in-law, Glen (Flo) Williams and Shirley (Jesse) Beaver; two brothers-in-law, Bill Fennell and Leroy Holtschlag; and a sister-in-law, Debbie Erke. 

Funeral services will be held Thursday, April 27, 2023, at 10:30 AM at Niebur Funeral Chapel in Barry with interment to follow at Park Lawn Cemetery. Visitation will be held Wednesday, April 26, 2023, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Niebur Funeral Chapel in Barry. Memorials are suggested to be made to Park Lawn Cemetery. Online condolences may be left to the family at www.nieburfh.com. Niebur Funeral Chapel in Barry is handling the arrangements.