Joseph Leonard Bowen

Joseph Leonard Bowen passed away after a short battle with cancer at the age of 84. He was born July 2, 1929 and died June 20, 2014. He graduated from Emma Sansom High School in June of 1947, where he lettered in baseball, basketball and football. He married the love of his life Vernell Thurmond and began his professional career at the Gulfsteel YMCA where he was the physical director from 1947-57. After a short time at Republic Steel, he became the Director of the East Gadsden Boys Club in 1958 and the Tuscaloosa Boys Club in 1964. He then returned to his home town and took a position with Goodyear, where he retired at age sixty-two. He will be missed by all.

Joe attended Dwight Baptist Church all of his adult life and was a Deacon and Sunday School teacher. He truly loved attending every Sunday and sang in the choir for as long as he could. He also served as the narrator for Easter and Christmas cantatas. One of his greatest personal accomplishments was his leadership during the construction and rebuilding of the Church after the destructive fire of August 1978. After his retirement from Goodyear, he participated in several mission trips for his Church.

Joe was preceded in death by his wife Vernell, his parents Lydia Viola and J. B. Bowen, one brother, Coleman Bowen, three sisters Jean Lambert, Ann Dorries Pisacrita and Mildred Jeanette Bowen (infant).

He is survived by his children, David (Sandra) Bowen, Daina (Randy) Pittman, and Jon (Julie) Bowen. Grandchildren, Joseph (Victoria) Bowen, Corey Bowen, Allison (Tyler) Fuqua, Kelly (Dan) Strickland, Jonathan Bowen and James Bowen. He had one great grandson, Everett Woodrow Bowen. There are two surviving sisters-in-law, Frances Bowen and Arthell Dupree, and a host of nieces and nephews.

Viewing and visitation will be at Collier Butler from 6-8pm Sunday the 22nd and again at Dwight Baptist Church Monday the 23rd from 10-11am. The funeral service will follow at 11am with Dr. Jay Stewart officiating. Pallbearers will be Randy Pittman, Dan Strickland, and the grandsons. Honorary pallbearers will be the deacons of Dwight Baptist Church and special friend, Jake Rogers.

In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to the New Life Center at Dwight Baptist Church.

We would like to thank all of the caregivers: Evangelina Patton, Lolitha Parker, Molicca Banks, Patsy Banks and Trina Paulding and nurses Carol Mitchell and Vivian Jordan for taking such good care of our father. Your knowledge and talents were greatly appreciated.