Ronald Lee Bowen

Born in Seattle, Washington, Ron grew up in Kansas City, Missouri, and Lombard, Illinois. In 1962, he answered the call to serve his country by enlisting in the United States Army, proudly serving as a veteran of the Vietnam War. Utilizing the GI Bill following his service, Ron attended and graduated from the University of Illinois at Chicago.

Ron built a dedicated career as a civil servant for the Department of Labor and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). His work took him across the country to North Carolina, Utah, and eventually Georgia following the passing of his father, Charles Leland Bowen, in Lilburn.

Ron met his loving wife, Cherie, during a professional conference in Chicago, and the two built their home in Winder, Georgia, where they lived for many years. Cherie was a truly central figure in his life, and together they shared a beautiful symbiotic relationship that brought out the very best in both of them. Their steadfast partnership, anchored by their deep Catholic faith, created a constant presence of love and support; they were always there for their family, cultivating a remarkably close-knit household and leaving a legacy of devotion that Cherie continues to carry forward today.

Above all, Ron was defined by an unbelievable capacity for compassion and kindness—qualities that touched everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. An avid shooter and outdoorsman, Ron passed down his deep love for firearms, the outdoors, and adventure to his son, Ian, and later to his grandsons. Beyond his adventurous spirit, Ron was a gifted artist. He was an avid painter starting in the 1970s, and created many works of art in acrylic, oil, watercolor and countless sketches. Ron also wrote extensively, publishing one book and many personal journals along the way.

Ron shared a particularly close relationship with his younger siblings—his fraternal twins, Larry and Linda, who were eleven years his junior. He and his brother, Larry, would discuss philosophy and history at great lengths, and Ian carries fond memories of listening to them kindly share ideas for hours at a time. His sister, Linda Bacon, and her family would make yearly visits from Illinois, cherishing every moment with her big brother.

In August 2025, Ron and Cherie made the move to Watkinsville to be closer to Ian and his family. Proving to be a wonderful chapter, the proximity allowed them the joy of daily visits with their family.

Ron was preceded in death by his mother, Maryellen Bowen, and his father, Charles Leland Bowen. He is survived by his devoted wife, Cherie; his brother, Larry and Cindy Bowen, his sister, Linda Bacon; his son, Ian; daughter-in-law Lisa; his cherished grandchildren, Drake, Mac, Nathan, Jack, and Ellee; nephews, Adam and Kevin; and his two grand-dogs.

Ron deeply loved his family, and his legacy of strength, kindness, and devotion will live on in all who knew him.

A Funeral Mass will be held Friday, October 2, at 4:30 p.m., in the Holy Family Chapel at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 958 Epps Bridge Parkway, Athens, Georgia.

Bernstein Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.