Obituary

SMSgt. (Ret) Stephen (Steve) C. Bowen, proud veteran of the United States Air Force, passed away April 5th, 2024 at the age of 85 years. Steve resided in Mesa, Arizona with his devoted and loving wife, Brenda.

Steve was born January 19^th, 1939 in Attleboro MA. He was the 2^nd son of the late Charles and Miriam Bowen.  He is survived by: his loving wife, Brenda, his brothers Charles (Charlie) and Neil, and their wives Dorothea and Carol, Children Christine Carson (and spouse Christie Mannes), Jane Francis, Robert (Bob) Bowen and Michael (Mike) Bowen (and spouse Sarah Bowen), his 14 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren, and 5 great great grandchildren.

Steve attended Monsignor Coyle High School, in Taunton, Massachusetts, graduating in 1957.  He briefly attended college UMass Amherst but left after a few months to join the United State Air Force (USAF) in early 1958.

Brenda and Steve met while Steve was stationed in England, and it was love at first sight! Soon after, our little family was started.

Steves awards/medals/ribbons: Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award (2x), Air Force Good Conduct Medal (6x), Good Conduct Medal (2x), National Defense Service Medal, Air Force Longevity Service Award (5x), Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon.

Steves career post USAF (travel to Malaysia, S. Korea, China)

After over 20 years in the USAF, Steve retired with Brenda to Middleboro, MA, where he worked at The Foxboro Company but after a few years and a visit to Brendas close friend Carole (deceased) in AZ, Steve had enough of cloudy skies, and he and Brenda moved down to bask in the AZ sunshine. Steve worked for Compass Technologies and during that time, got to travel to S. Korea, China, and Malaysia.  He was able to view the Great Wall in China and had some great stories about his travels.  Steve owned several motorcycles and made several long road trips in the US and between Belgium and England. He also achieved his dream of riding his motorcycle down the Blue Ridge Parkway. In later years, Steve mentioned he had been to every US state except Alaska and Hawaii – so trips were arranged to that he and Brenda visited both of these states in 2017 and 2018. During the Hawaii trip, Steve got to visit Pearl Harbor which was a great desire of his.

Steves interests included golf, motorcycles, trains, airplanes, military history, all forms of motor racing, and crossword puzzles.

Steve was the center of a large loving extended family and will be sorely missed for his intelligence, sense of humor, advice, mechanical skills and so many other things.  His love for his wife, Brenda, was unending.  People would comment on how they held hands wherever they went, and what a cute couple they were.  He would declare his love for Brenda openly and regularly, and you could see their love in the way they interacted.

Funeral Services will be Friday April 12^th, 2024 at A Wise Choice Funeral Services, 9702 East Apache Trail, Mesa, AZ 85207. Viewing will be from 2pm until 3pm, after which, a full military honors ceremony will be held (at 3pm sharp).  A short service will be held after this for family and close friends only.  The funeral will also be live streamed for friends and family in the USA and United Kingdom.

No flowers please:  Donations may be made in his honor to Veterans.