Donald G Bowen

was surrounded by family at home in Colorado Springs, CO. Don was born May 24, 1929 in

Fort Collins to Charles and Linnett (Allen) Bowen. He was one of seven siblings who grew up

with their folks on a farm near Waverly, CO.

As a young adult, he met his future wife, Maxine Matejka at a dance in Waverly. The couple

was married on March 10, 1951 in Cheyenne, WY , and they enjoyed dancing to country western

music for the next 55 years. Together, they also worked, laughed, teased, and raised three

children, Kathy, Paula, and Doug. However, this was only the beginning of their family as they

were later blessed with five grandchildren and then thirteen great grandchildren. Don treasured

the kids and grandkids and enjoyed holidays and sports with them. Driving was never a chore

for him, so he and Max would show up for activities and visits across several state lines.

Don was a hard worker, and from the farm, he moved on to working on the railroad. He later

worked at the refinery in Cheyenne, and joined the WY Air National Guard. His unit went on

active duty during the Korean Conflict, and then returned to Cheyenne. Don worked for Mack’s

Auto Supply in Fort Collins, tried his hand at real estate, and then was a computer programmer

at CSU - - - at a time when the computer occupied a whole room, not just a desk or wristband!

In 1973, their youngest graduated from high school, and Don and Max sold out and he began a

career with Sambo’s. He loved this job, and it allowed he and Max to work and travel around

many states. Don had found his niche in the restaurant business and spent 22 years in

Schottsbluff, NE where he owned/operated the Country Kitchen. His crews were always part of

his family, and he so enjoyed greeting and seating all of those guests!

Don was known for his extremely positive attitude. He was not only an optimist, but a great

encourager. He had a beautiful smile that he used often. He brought energy into any room that

he entered, and he never met a stranger. Don was fun. He loved people, and he loved life. He

will truly be missed on this earth by his famiy and friends. Don’t be surprised if when you next

see him, he’s helping St. Peter greet people at those pearly gates or playing a basketball game

with old friends.

Don is survived by his wife of 69 years, Maxine. He is also survived by his daughters, Kathy

Lewis (Mark) of Windsor, CO and Paula Ford (Don) of Pagosa Springs, CO. and his son, Doug

Bowen (Kathy) of Pagosa Springs, CO. In addition, he is survived by his grandkids, Brian

Gronewoller (Morgan), Keith Gronewoller (Suzanna), Rachelle Smith (Tyler), Ashley Iverson

(Davey), and Brett Lewis, and his thirteen great-grandchildren