Stephen Edward Bowen Jr.

October 20, 1990 – August 1, 2026

With profound sadness, we announce the passing of our beloved son, Stephen, who passed away on August 1, 2026, at the age of 35.

Stephen arrived into this world on a Saturday afternoon, October 20, 1990, San Diego, California. A short time later, he and his family moved to the Bay Area of Northern California, where he spent his first few years of life, eventually settling in the greater Sacramento area, where he spent most of his life.

As a child, Stephen played Little League and enjoyed spending time with his brother and friends playing video games, riding bikes and fishing at Portuguese park. In high school, at Casa Robles, he participated in wrestling and football. He especially enjoyed woodshop and welding classes, where he discovered a talent for creating things with his hands building beautiful pieces of furniture, including a dresser, coffee table, and an Adirondack chair for his parents front porch. These pieces remain especially treasured because they were made by Stephen and given with love.

Although Stephen enjoyed video games and movies at home, his true love was the outdoors. Fishing, boating, and swimming were among his favorite activities, especially when shared with his family. He also loved traveling and looked forward to the adventures and experiences that each trip brought. Some of his favorite memories included visiting his beloved cousins in Turlock and Salida, California and Boise, Idaho. Other treasured family trips included beach visits to Bodega Bay, Santa Cruz, and Hawaii. Other fun youth adventures included trips to Disneyland, Great America in Santa Clara, Six Flags in Vallejo, and visiting his Deaf grandparents in Arizona.

One especially meaningful trip was to Washington, D.C., with his mom and brother. The experience touched Stephen profoundly. He visited many historical and significant places, including the Vietnam Veterans and Korean Memorials, Arlington National Cemetery, the Holocaust Museum, the Smithsonian museums, the National Museum of Natural History, and the National Air and Space Museum. He was amazed by how much there was to see and learn about the world. He was proud to be an American and was deeply interested in history and in learning about where his ancestors came from and the freedoms we are fortunate to have.

Stephen cherished the time he spent with his Deaf grandparents, with whom he shared a deep and special bond. Some of his fondest memories were made during vacations and trips together—playing games with his grandmother and watching westerns beside his grandfather. These moments were more than simply time spent together; they were treasured experiences that helped shape the person Stephen became. Stephen and his brother grew up bilingual in American Sign Language (ASL) and English, allowing them to communicate with their Deaf family and connect with the broader Deaf community. From a young age, Stephen was actively involved in volunteering within the Deaf community and attended the Camp Grizzly Leadership Program for Deaf, hard of hearing, and Koda youth throughout his life. Many of his most cherished friendships were formed through camp and school, relationships that remained meaningful throughout his life.

Stephen also had a deep love for music. He loved music so much that he took a music class in college, where he learned to write lyrics and create music using a soundboard. For a time, this became one of his favorite hobbies and creative outlets.

Understanding that an artist also needed to make a living, Stephen explored and learned other trades, including installing car radios and doing some mechanical work. He always appreciated how knowledgeable his Dad, Mark, was about so many things. Stephen valued and respected him greatly, especially how generous he was of his time, advice, care and love for Stephen. Some of the things Stephen enjoyed and treasured most with his Dad, were fishing and hanging out watching comedies with him.

Stephen was a caring and loving son who treasured his mother deeply. He often expressed his love for her in the sweetest and most thoughtful ways—writing and texting her little notes, and giving her small trinkets as tokens of his love and affection. These simple gestures reflected the tender heart he carried and the special bond he shared with his mom.

Stephen was also very close to his brother while growing up. The two were inseparable, always together wherever they went, and as small children, they would sometimes even dress alike. They were devoted to one another and always had each other’s backs, whether they were at school, playgorund or riding their bikes around the neighborhood.

Later, they were joined by their older sister, Stephanie, giving them someone they could always count on for advice, someone to tease and laugh with, and someone to share holidays, family trips, and movie nights. There were also the simple moments they enjoyed together, like watching movies, getting a ride here and there or stopping for ice cream at Dairy Queen. As children grew into adults and life eventually took them in different directions, the love and bond they shared as a family never faded. No matter where life took them, that connection remained a constant—a bond that time and distance could never change.

Stephen was also a cherished uncle, nephew, cousin, and friend whose life touched so many. He was sweet, kind, and sincere, with a generous heart and a genuine desire to help others. His laugh was loud, genuine, and contagious, and his kindness extended to anyone in need. Whether it was a friend, family member, or even a furry friend, Stephen was always willing to give himself freely and brought warmth, humor, and joy to the lives of those around him.

We find comfort in knowing that Jesus saw how much Stephen had been carrying and knew it was time for him to rest. We trust that he is now resting peacefully in the loving arms of Jesus and in God’s presence, where there is no more suffering, pain, or struggle—only peace, love, and complete healing.

Stephen will forever live on in our hearts through the memories we hold dear and the love we shared with him. Though he is deeply missed, we are grateful for the blessing of having known and loved him. He will be remembered with love, affection, and gratitude for the time we were blessed to share with him. We will cherish the memories he made us laugh, the times he made us smile, and the simple warmth of having him in our lives will remain precious to us.

May Stephen rest peacefully in the arms of Jesus, surrounded by God’s everlasting love. Until we meet again, he will remain forever in our hearts.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Doyle and Charlotte Brown, and his uncles, Jeffrey Sund and Doyle Brown Jr.

Stephen is survived by his parents, Molly and Mark Brock; his brother, Kyle Sund-Bowen; his sister, Stephanie Brock; as well as his beloved nieces and nephew, cousins, aunts, uncles, and dear friends.

A Memorial with Reception Service will be held on Saturday, Sept 26 with location shared soon.

Family and friends will be invited to come together to remember Stephen, share stories, celebrate his life, and honor the memories he leaves behind.

Forever loved. Forever remembered. Forever in our hearts.