Bowen Givens McKinney

Bowen Givens McKinney, 95, passed away at his home on October 29, 2025. Born on February 3, 1930, to Walter and Mary Lee Givens McKinney, Bowen grew up on a farm in McKinney, KY, where he learned the value of hard work, perseverance, and love of family. Those early life lessons served him well, as he went on to accomplish much during his life.

Bowen was born into a strong pioneer family. Both his Mother’s and Father’s families were in what is now known as the great state of Kentucky by 1780. They helped to settle the wilderness and establish Montgomery Station, which was burnt down by the Shawnee Indians. It was later rebuilt as McKinney Fort and then renamed McKinney Station. Several of Bowen’s ancestors played a big role in the Revolutionary War (receiving sizable land grants for their service) and the Civil War, among others. Bowen was a member of the Sons of the American Revolution.

A proud graduate of McKinney High School, Bowen excelled in sports and agriculture. He attended Louisburg College in North Carolina, where he was a starting center on the basketball team, and Eastern Kentucky University. He graduated from the University of Kentucky in 1953 with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture. While at UK, he was a member of the Meats Judging Team (placing 2nd at the International and 2nd and 5th at the American Royal), Block and Bridle, 4-H, and Alpha Gamma Rho (Fraternity Basketball Champions). He was even recruited by Adolph Rupp to try out for the basketball team.

Bowen served his country as a Corporal in the US Army during the Korean War, stationed at Ft Knox and in Germany. His time in the military allowed him to see much of Europe. He worked as a tank mechanic and sharpshooter. His team won the Volleyball Championship at Ft Knox. Bowen was awarded with an International Farm Youth Exchange Trip to Norway while in the service, but was unable to attend while enlisted.

He moved to Louisville to accept a buyer position at Fischer Packing Company. Bowen quickly learned how to analyze the weight, age, degree of finish, and potential yield of cattle. He became so good at his job that he attracted the attention of others. He was recruited by and retired from Dawson-Baker Packing Company. There he was able to see cattle on foot and on the rail, giving him new carcass data as well. The cattle he bought averaged 90% plus Choice, Prime, and CAB. The business relationships Bowen developed with farmers resulted in countless lifelong friendships.

With an unwavering faith in God, Bowen attended Walnut Street Baptist Church since 1961. Over those years, he was a member of the AGOGA Sunday school class, OASIS, a quartet, and the Baptismal Committee. He served as a greeter and youth chaperone; and he was on a bowling league.

Bowen was a leader and an authority in Kentucky agriculture, regarded as an expert in his field. He judged numerous cattle shows, cook offs, and queen contests. He provided marketing statistics to the USDA; spoke at Extension programs and Field Days; instructed classes at UK on feeding, finishing, and marketing cattle; served on Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association committees; was the voice of Freddy Farm Bureau at the Kentucky State Fair; oversaw the slaughter of cattle from national shows and feed trials; and led school tours at the North American International Livestock Exposition for many years. Bowen was a member of the Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association (since its inception), Kentucky Farm Bureau, the Louisville Ag Club, and the Louisville Agribusiness Network. He served as a Director for the American Meat Institute.

Bowen lived a life of service to his community and the agriculture industry. He was awarded the Kentucky Service to Agriculture Citation; was an Honorary Commissioner of Agriculture; and received several service awards for his work with 4-H and FFA. He was a Kentucky Colonel, a member of the Louisville VFW, a member of the Lincoln County KY Masonic Lodge, and served on the Peoples Bank of Kentucky Board of Directors for over 20 years.

Outside of work, he found joy in genealogy, gardening, travel, UK athletics, the YMCA, and sudoku puzzles. Bowen grew the best tomatoes and won numerous Kentucky State Fair blue ribbons to prove it. His favorite mode of transportation was his tractor.

Bowen had a profound impact on the many lives of those who had the pleasure of knowing him. He was known for his infectious smile, laughter, and the best bear hugs anywhere. He never met a stranger. Bowen went out of his way to spread love and kindness to everyone he encountered.

A life well-lived. Faith, family, and farming were at the core of who he was. Bowen loved God, loved his family and friends, and loved agriculture. Bowen sowed kindness, love, and faith which provided a bountiful harvest of blessings. His remarkable legacy of service, humility, integrity, and compassion will forever be an inspiration to all who knew him. His warmth and generosity will be greatly missed. Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, but love leaves a memory no one can steal.

He was preceded in death by his parents, late wife of 58 years Ramona Vanover McKinney, brother James Walter “J.W.” McKinney, and sister Elizabeth “Libby” Coble.

Bowen leaves behind his precious wife Sarah Cline McKinney; loving daughters Debra McKinney and Alice Niehoff (Leo); dear brother George McKinney (Doris); wonderful grandchildren Larissa Braun (Michael), Brent Crowe, Nathan Crowe (Abbye), and Brian Niehoff (Lauren); 8 delightful great grandchildren; and many wonderful nieces and nephews to cherish his memory.

Visitation will be held on Friday, November 7, 2025 from 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM at Arch L. Heady at Resthaven, 4400 Bardstown Road, Louisville KY 40218. Visitation will resume Saturday morning from 9:00 AM-11:00 AM, with a funeral service in Bowen's honor beginning at 11:00AM. Bowen will be laid to rest in Buffalo Springs Cemetery in Stanford, Kentucky.