Stewart Lloyd Bowen

On December 18th, 2020, the leader of our band went to his eternal rest. He was born in Brooklyn, NY June 8th, 1922 and grew up in Freeport and Islip on Long Island with the Raynor family. Lloyd was preceded in death by his father, Milton Lloyd Bowen, mother, Ruth Raynor Bowen West, his beloved wife of 65 years Gladys Wuetig Bowen, and sisters Elaine Coleman and Marion Stone.

Survivors include his very much loved children Thomas Lloyd Bowen (Terry), Margaret Bowen Johnson (Boyd), Janet Bowen Palmquist, his loving grandchildren Genevieve Concannon (Drew), Margeaux Denham (Bryan), Jennifer Berg (Casey), Derek Palmquist (Katie), 5 great grandchildren, and nieces and nephews.

Lloyd joined the military and became a member of the 186th Field Artillery Band before completing pilot training in the Army Field Corps. Then, with the attack on Pearl Harbor, he re-enlisted to become part of the “Greatest Generation” fighting for the U.S. Army in the Pacific Theatre in WWII. After his active-duty military career, he became Director (Chief Warrant Officer III) of the Colorado National Guard Army Band in Denver. As a retired army veteran, Lloyd provided closure to many military families by playing Taps at funerals. He was a proud patriot and member of the Sons of the American Revolution.

As part of his long and varied musical career, he performed with many notable musicians including Bunny Berigan, Arnold Fishkind, Vern Byers, Jack Teagarten, Stan Kenton and many Denver musicians.

Lloyd received his BA from the University of Denver in 1952 and Master’s degree from the University of Northern Colorado. He taught at several Denver parochial schools, Jefferson County schools, and Regis College, all while continuing to perform at many musical gigs around Denver. Lloyd was the proverbial Music Man, leading many bands including the Highlander Boys, Junior Police, VFW, American Legion, Shriner’s, and his own Big Band “Nostalgia”. He was awarded the Pioneer Legend medal from the University of Denver for his lifetime work in schools, bands, and playing Broadway shows in Denver. He was also honored with the Service Recognition award from the Denver Musicians Association. Lloyd was an inspiration to hundreds, if not thousands, of people with his wealth of experience and his generous nature.

All his life, Lloyd strove for excellence through his gracious, kind, respectful character, and integrity. He is quoted as saying, “All my life I’ve met people who have helped me, befriended me, and helped me mold my life.”. He returned the favor saying, “Having compassion for people and understanding human frailties… that’s my practice routine.”

We will miss our bandleader, guide, mentor, father, and grandfather indeed. A celebration of the life of Lloyd Bowen will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the American Cancer Society, the Alzheimer’s Association, or a charity of your choice.