OBITUARY
Gerald Bowden
June 21, 1943 – January 13, 2021
Gerald “Jerry” Bowden was born June 21, 1943, in Fort Worth, Texas to Sue and Levi Bowden. He was born during the middle of WWII but prior to D-Day and the United States’ victory over fascism.
Jerry attended North Texas State University in Denton, Texas. He spent 5 years there and ultimately graduated right before his student deferment ran out and he was drafted into the Army. He graduated Officer Candidate School, obtained his Ranger tab, and complete a tour in Korea in 1968 and Vietnam in 1971 as a First Lieutenant. He decided that if he was going to represent his country, he was going to have the best training his country could offer him. That was an important quality of Jerry’s, to do things to the very best of his abilities. So, not only did he go to Vietnam, he led men in Vietnam and his professional and personal mission was to ensure their safe return home.
After successfully completing his tour of duty, he made a twenty-three-year career in the military, retiring in 1988 as a Lieutenant Colonel. He took various posts throughout his military tenure, but the ones he enjoyed the most were centered around teaching and offering guidance to his younger peers. He retired being well established as a teacher and leader of men.
He married Nancy Penick and remained by her side for 53 years. They had two children, Christopher and Elizabeth.
In their later years, Nancy and Jerry traveled frequently, visiting Europe, and taking a ship through the Panama Canal, which was a trip Jerry dreamed taking for years. Jerry enjoyed these trips, but nothing gave him more pleasure than building ramps for homebound individuals, being outdoors in his yard, and spending time with his granddaughters, Kate and Ruby.
Over the years, he learned and became a master craftsman and true to his nature, shared his abilities with those who needed them. Like his military duty, he used what he learned to give people a better life. Hundreds of homebound people in Indianapolis were offered a better life because of Jerry.
Jerry had such a playful, loving spirit which was consistently on display with his friends, family, and particularly his granddaughters. He couldn’t say no to them in time or in service. He was great at and loved many things, but of those things, he was greatest at and loved best being a grandfather.
Jerry is predeceased by his parents, Levi and Sue and his beloved son Chris. He is survived by his wife Nancy, his daughter Elizabeth (Matt), his granddaughters Kate and Ruby, and his older brother Lee.
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7.
Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to Northside Food Pantry - Second Presbyterian Church or Servants at Work (SAWS) - Second Presbyterian Church.
There will be a graveside service Monday, January 18, 2021, at Crown Hill Cemetery, at 11:00 am and a funeral will be held on July 24, 2021, 11:00 am at Second Presbyterian Church, Indianapolis, Indiana.
Services
-
Graveside Service
Monday, January 18, 2021
Memories
Gerald Bowden
have a memory or condolence to add?
ADD A MEMORYJulane Petroy
January 18, 2021
I am so sorry to hear of Jerry’s passing. I live down the block and always enjoyed walking my dog by his immaculate yard- stopping to have a chat about the neighborhood- as he was one of the original home owners in Beam Reach Texas flag flying proud and truck pristine with Army sticker on the bumper - having a Tax Man beer☺️ And offering me one! He was always willing to lend an ear and to tell all about his beloved family including Buddy. I found out he had passed today- I am so sorry for you loss but will remember his kindness and how much he loved his family. Sincerely, Julane Petroy
Ron Sparacino
January 18, 2021
Linette and I first met Gerry and Nancy while in the Army and were all stationed at Fort Sill, OK in 1974. From the outset, it was clear that he was a positive force for wanting to take care of people and doing the "right thing" regardless of what others may be thinking. It was also clear that Gerry always had a twinkle in his eye for enjoying both people and life while never taking himself too seriously. From that point on, we became fast friends. As it turned out, we also served together again in Germany in the late 70's and remained in contact ever since then. Both Gerry and Nancy are the kind of people that are easily admired and never can be forgotten.
I am quite sure knowing Gerry, that upon passing St. Peter and walking through the Pearly Gates, the first question he asked St. Peter was, "Where can I get some beer?"
We love Gerry and Nancy, we will always remember them.
Ron and Linette
Carol Wendt
January 17, 2021
Jerry was a wonderful man who truly committed his time and talents to SAWs. May he rest in heavenly peace. With sympathy and friendship,
Carol Wendt
Stephanie Walker
January 17, 2021
From the moment I moved in next door to Nancy and Jerry, I knew they would become more than neighbors, they became family. We spent many holidays together and shared our love through laughs and stories from Jerry. We bonded over lawn mowing, sharing a drink and our favorite local restaurant Puccini's. There was never a day that we didn't spend a few minutes together catching up. I eventually made the decision to leave Indiana and move to North Carolina, a tough move leaving the most wonderful neighbors and family.
Jerry has always held a special place in my heart, I have missed being away from him and will miss the laughs and stories. Rest in peace my friend 🕊️
Charlotte Lloyd
January 17, 2021
Gerald Bowden was a man who loved his family, served his God by serving others, and honored his country with devotion and exemplary service. But, he was also Jerry Bowden a boy who loved to swim, crack jokes, agitate his girl cousins with mischief, and bring joy to us all. I know this because he was my nephew and I miss him.
My husband Robert and I send our love and condolences to Nancy, Elizabeth, Matt, Kate and Ruby.
Charlotte
Gail Covey-Hutson
January 16, 2021
Jerry was my cousin, and I have so many memories of him as a boy. He was someone who had a ready smile and a great talent for understanding life and how to live it with purpose. He will forever be missed.
FROM THE FAMILY
Jerry and brother Lee
FROM THE FAMILY
Jerry and Kate
FROM THE FAMILY
SAWS Ramp
FROM THE FAMILY
Jerry and Ruby
FROM THE FAMILY
Sarasota, Florida
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
Colorado
FROM THE FAMILY
Jerry and Karl
FROM THE FAMILY
VBS
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
Munday Farm
FROM THE FAMILY
SAWs
FROM THE FAMILY
Jerry and Nancy
FROM THE FAMILY
Kate at softball
FROM THE FAMILY
Ruby, Jerry and Elizabeth
FROM THE FAMILY
Kate and Jerry
FROM THE FAMILY
Vienna, Austria
FROM THE FAMILY
Jerry at VBS
FROM THE FAMILY
Jerry and Nancy- Killeen, Texas
FROM THE FAMILY
Banff, Canada - Lake Louise
FROM THE FAMILY
Jerry and Ruby at Conner Prairie for Santa Claus
FROM THE FAMILY
Jerry
FROM THE FAMILY
Houston
FROM THE FAMILY
Jerry
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
Jerry and Aunt Charlotte
FROM THE FAMILY
Chris
FROM THE FAMILY
Jerry and Kate
FROM THE FAMILY
Jerry and Lee On USS Arizona
FROM THE FAMILY
Major Hannah and Jerry
FROM THE FAMILY
Asheville, North Carolina
FROM THE FAMILY
Germany
FROM THE FAMILY
Young Jerry
FROM THE FAMILY
Nancy and Kate
FROM THE FAMILY
Jon Kindred
FROM THE FAMILY
Salado, Texas
FROM THE FAMILY
LeAnn, Sue and Kerry
FROM THE FAMILY
Giverny, France
FROM THE FAMILY
Eagles Nest, Germany
FROM THE FAMILY
Birthday Buddies!
FROM THE FAMILY
Elizabeth and Jerry
FROM THE FAMILY
Tahlequah, Oklahoma Birthday Party
FROM THE FAMILY
Halloween
FROM THE FAMILY
Sue and Papa
FROM THE FAMILY
SAWS Ramp
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
Ellis Island
FROM THE FAMILY
First Christmas Together!
FROM THE FAMILY
Nancy, Jerry and puppy
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
Jerry
FROM THE FAMILY
Jerry's family
FROM THE FAMILY
Jerry and Chris
FROM THE FAMILY
Chris, Lottie and Elizabeth
FROM THE FAMILY
Being promoted
FROM THE FAMILY
Elizabeth, Jerry, Chris and Corky
FROM THE FAMILY
Nancy, Chris and Elizabeth at Ft. Benning
FROM THE FAMILY
Ruidoso, New Mexico
FROM THE FAMILY
Jerry and friend
FROM THE FAMILY
Jerry
FROM THE FAMILY
Salt mines in Bertchesgerten, Germany
FROM THE FAMILY
Neuschwanstein castle
FROM THE FAMILY
Sue, Aunt Charlotte and Uncle Bob
FROM THE FAMILY
Chris
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
Jerry and Nancy
FROM THE FAMILY
Chris' Funeral
FROM THE FAMILY
Elizabeth and girls after running half a marathon at Fort Harrison.
FROM THE FAMILY
50th Anniversary
FROM THE FAMILY
Jerry, Buddy and neighbor
FROM THE FAMILY
Kate and Ruby
FROM THE FAMILY
Kate (trying) to run
FROM THE FAMILY
Cruise with Mary and Jerry
FROM THE FAMILY
Panama Cruise
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
Ruidoso-Two Jerry's
FROM THE FAMILY
Ruby and Jerry
FROM THE FAMILY
Christmas 2019
FROM THE FAMILY
Jerry and friend
FROM THE FAMILY
Paris, France Trip
FROM THE FAMILY
Chris' stone at Ft. Benning
FROM THE FAMILY
Ruidoso, New Mexico
FROM THE FAMILY
Ruby
FROM THE FAMILY
Missing Chairs In Oklahoma City
FROM THE FAMILY
Grand Canyon Trip
FROM THE FAMILY
Mt. Rushmore
FROM THE FAMILY
Nancy and Chris
FROM THE FAMILY
Jerry and Stephanie
FROM THE FAMILY
Elizabeth, Ruby, Kate and Jerry
FROM THE FAMILY
Jerry- Christmas
FROM THE FAMILY
Budapest, Hungary
FROM THE FAMILY
Jerry
FROM THE FAMILY
Grand Canyon
FROM THE FAMILY
Jerry summer 2020
FROM THE FAMILY
Panama Canal Cruise Boat
FROM THE FAMILY
Cruise
FROM THE FAMILY
Panama Cruise
FROM THE FAMILY
Chris - age 2
FROM THE FAMILY
Chris' graduation
FROM THE FAMILY
Jerry's mower
FROM THE FAMILY
EC high school picture
FROM THE FAMILY
EC - 2
FROM THE FAMILY
Chris and EC - 1993
FROM THE FAMILY
Eifel Tower
FROM THE FAMILY
Sue and Levi (Jerry's parents)
FROM THE FAMILY
Museum
FROM THE FAMILY
Normandy
FROM THE FAMILY
Siene Locks on way back to Paris
FROM THE FAMILY
The Jerrys
FROM THE FAMILY
Chris' Flagpole in Munday, Texas
FROM THE FAMILY
Gettysburg
FROM THE FAMILY
Unknown Soldier - 2015
FROM THE FAMILY
EC, Kate, Ruby - D.C. 2015
FROM THE FAMILY
EC
FROM THE FAMILY
Jerry and Buddy
FROM THE FAMILY
Kate
FROM THE FAMILY
Kate - 1st Birthday
FROM THE FAMILY
Jerry and Ruby
FROM THE FAMILY
Kate's 1st Birthday
FROM THE FAMILY
Jerry, Nancy, Kate
FROM THE FAMILY
Frank, Sara, Nancy and Jerry
FROM THE FAMILY
Cross
FROM THE FAMILY
Chris - age 11
FROM THE FAMILY
Nancy and Jerry
FROM THE FAMILY
Winter in Giessen, West Germany
FROM THE FAMILY
Sitting for lunch with friends in Luxembourg
FROM THE FAMILY
Kate
FROM THE FAMILY
Field
FROM THE FAMILY
Jerry resting/studying
FROM THE FAMILY
Jerry and Ruby resting
FROM THE FAMILY
EC
FROM THE FAMILY
Germany
FROM THE FAMILY
Cemetery in Luxembourg
FROM THE FAMILY
Jerry 2020
FROM THE FAMILY
Jerry
FROM THE FAMILY
Pompeii, Italy
FROM THE FAMILY
Marine Corp Marathon
FROM THE FAMILY
Jerry - 1967
FROM THE FAMILY
Jerry birthday 2013
FROM THE FAMILY
Louve
FROM THE FAMILY
Normandy Cemetery
FROM THE FAMILY
Jerry and Stephanie (neighbor)
FROM THE FAMILY
Jerry sitting
FROM THE FAMILY
Caribbean
FROM THE FAMILY
Jerry and Buddy
FROM THE FAMILY
Castle
FROM THE FAMILY
Buddy
FROM THE FAMILY
Lee and JoAnn - Hawaii
FROM THE FAMILY
Jerry and John Walter at 50th high school reunion
FROM THE FAMILY
Bahamas- 2015
FROM THE FAMILY
Jerry and friend
FROM THE FAMILY
Munday Reunion - Jerry standing on the end facing camera
FROM THE FAMILY
Nancy and Chris
FROM THE FAMILY
Bowden family - 1988
FROM THE FAMILY
Jerry at cemetery October 14, 2020.
FROM THE FAMILY
Chris Headstone
FROM THE FAMILY
Caribbean
FROM THE FAMILY
Ruidoso-Two Jerry's
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
Plan trip to Danube
FROM THE FAMILY
Jerry
FROM THE FAMILY
Christmas time at Nancy's
Jerry, Kate, Ruby, Nancy, and Buddy
FROM THE FAMILY
Ruby and Jerry making waffles
FROM THE FAMILY
Yard party
FROM THE FAMILY
Volksmarch medal
FROM THE FAMILY
Dinner with Kate and Ruby at La Hacienda
FROM THE FAMILY
Ferris Wheel ride on Danube trip
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
Jerry Fall of 2020
FROM THE FAMILY
Our wedding day, July 1967
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
Jerry and Kate
FROM THE FAMILY
Nancy, Ruby and Jerry
FROM THE FAMILY
Jerry, Kate and Nancy
FROM THE FAMILY
Jerry and Matt
FROM THE FAMILY
Jerry and Budding sitting outside summer of 2020.
FROM THE FAMILY
Kate, Jerry, Matt, Ruby, and Elizabeth eating a bite on the Danube
FROM THE FAMILY
Kate and Papa watching TV
FROM THE FAMILY
Jerry and brother Lee
FROM THE FAMILY
Jerry and Kate
FROM THE FAMILY
SAWS Ramp
FROM THE FAMILY
Jerry and Ruby
FROM THE FAMILY
Sarasota, Florida
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
Colorado
FROM THE FAMILY
Jerry and Karl
FROM THE FAMILY
VBS
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
Munday Farm
FROM THE FAMILY
SAWs
FROM THE FAMILY
Jerry and Nancy
FROM THE FAMILY
Kate at softball
FROM THE FAMILY
Ruby, Jerry and Elizabeth
FROM THE FAMILY
Kate and Jerry
FROM THE FAMILY
Vienna, Austria
FROM THE FAMILY
Jerry at VBS
FROM THE FAMILY
Jerry and Nancy- Killeen, Texas
FROM THE FAMILY
Banff, Canada - Lake Louise
FROM THE FAMILY
Jerry and Ruby at Conner Prairie for Santa Claus
FROM THE FAMILY
Jerry
FROM THE FAMILY
Houston
FROM THE FAMILY
Jerry
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
Jerry and Aunt Charlotte
FROM THE FAMILY
Chris
FROM THE FAMILY
Jerry and Kate
FROM THE FAMILY
Jerry and Lee On USS Arizona
FROM THE FAMILY
Major Hannah and Jerry
FROM THE FAMILY
Asheville, North Carolina
FROM THE FAMILY
Germany
FROM THE FAMILY
Young Jerry
FROM THE FAMILY
Nancy and Kate
FROM THE FAMILY
Jon Kindred
FROM THE FAMILY
Salado, Texas
FROM THE FAMILY
LeAnn, Sue and Kerry
FROM THE FAMILY
Giverny, France
FROM THE FAMILY
Eagles Nest, Germany
FROM THE FAMILY
Birthday Buddies!
FROM THE FAMILY
Elizabeth and Jerry
FROM THE FAMILY
Tahlequah, Oklahoma Birthday Party
FROM THE FAMILY
Halloween
FROM THE FAMILY
Sue and Papa
FROM THE FAMILY
SAWS Ramp
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
Ellis Island
FROM THE FAMILY
First Christmas Together!
FROM THE FAMILY
Nancy, Jerry and puppy
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
Jerry
FROM THE FAMILY
Jerry's family
FROM THE FAMILY
Jerry and Chris
FROM THE FAMILY
Chris, Lottie and Elizabeth
FROM THE FAMILY
Being promoted
FROM THE FAMILY
Elizabeth, Jerry, Chris and Corky
FROM THE FAMILY
Nancy, Chris and Elizabeth at Ft. Benning
FROM THE FAMILY
Ruidoso, New Mexico
FROM THE FAMILY
Jerry and friend
FROM THE FAMILY
Jerry
FROM THE FAMILY
Salt mines in Bertchesgerten, Germany
FROM THE FAMILY
Neuschwanstein castle
FROM THE FAMILY
Sue, Aunt Charlotte and Uncle Bob
FROM THE FAMILY
Chris
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
Jerry and Nancy
FROM THE FAMILY
Chris' Funeral
FROM THE FAMILY
Elizabeth and girls after running half a marathon at Fort Harrison.
FROM THE FAMILY
50th Anniversary
FROM THE FAMILY
Jerry, Buddy and neighbor
FROM THE FAMILY
Kate and Ruby
FROM THE FAMILY
Kate (trying) to run
FROM THE FAMILY
Cruise with Mary and Jerry
FROM THE FAMILY
Panama Cruise
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
Ruidoso-Two Jerry's
FROM THE FAMILY
Ruby and Jerry
FROM THE FAMILY
Christmas 2019
FROM THE FAMILY
Jerry and friend
FROM THE FAMILY
Paris, France Trip
FROM THE FAMILY
Chris' stone at Ft. Benning
FROM THE FAMILY
Ruidoso, New Mexico
FROM THE FAMILY
Ruby
FROM THE FAMILY
Missing Chairs In Oklahoma City
FROM THE FAMILY
Grand Canyon Trip
FROM THE FAMILY
Mt. Rushmore
FROM THE FAMILY
Nancy and Chris
FROM THE FAMILY
Jerry and Stephanie
FROM THE FAMILY
Elizabeth, Ruby, Kate and Jerry
FROM THE FAMILY
Jerry- Christmas
FROM THE FAMILY
Budapest, Hungary
FROM THE FAMILY
Jerry
FROM THE FAMILY
Grand Canyon
FROM THE FAMILY
Jerry summer 2020
FROM THE FAMILY
Panama Canal Cruise Boat
FROM THE FAMILY
Cruise
FROM THE FAMILY
Panama Cruise
FROM THE FAMILY
Chris - age 2
FROM THE FAMILY
Chris' graduation
FROM THE FAMILY
Jerry's mower
FROM THE FAMILY
EC high school picture
FROM THE FAMILY
EC - 2
FROM THE FAMILY
Chris and EC - 1993
FROM THE FAMILY
Eifel Tower
FROM THE FAMILY
Sue and Levi (Jerry's parents)
FROM THE FAMILY
Museum
FROM THE FAMILY
Normandy
FROM THE FAMILY
Siene Locks on way back to Paris
FROM THE FAMILY
The Jerrys
FROM THE FAMILY
Chris' Flagpole in Munday, Texas
FROM THE FAMILY
Gettysburg
FROM THE FAMILY
Unknown Soldier - 2015
FROM THE FAMILY
EC, Kate, Ruby - D.C. 2015
FROM THE FAMILY
EC
FROM THE FAMILY
Jerry and Buddy
FROM THE FAMILY
Kate
FROM THE FAMILY
Kate - 1st Birthday
FROM THE FAMILY
Jerry and Ruby
FROM THE FAMILY
Kate's 1st Birthday
FROM THE FAMILY
Jerry, Nancy, Kate
FROM THE FAMILY
Frank, Sara, Nancy and Jerry
FROM THE FAMILY
Cross
FROM THE FAMILY
Chris - age 11
FROM THE FAMILY
Nancy and Jerry
FROM THE FAMILY
Winter in Giessen, West Germany
FROM THE FAMILY
Sitting for lunch with friends in Luxembourg
FROM THE FAMILY
Kate
FROM THE FAMILY
Field
FROM THE FAMILY
Jerry resting/studying
FROM THE FAMILY
Jerry and Ruby resting
FROM THE FAMILY
EC
FROM THE FAMILY
Germany
FROM THE FAMILY
Cemetery in Luxembourg
FROM THE FAMILY
Jerry 2020
FROM THE FAMILY
Jerry
FROM THE FAMILY
Pompeii, Italy
FROM THE FAMILY
Marine Corp Marathon
FROM THE FAMILY
Jerry - 1967
FROM THE FAMILY
Jerry birthday 2013
FROM THE FAMILY
Louve
FROM THE FAMILY
Normandy Cemetery
FROM THE FAMILY
Jerry and Stephanie (neighbor)
FROM THE FAMILY
Jerry sitting
FROM THE FAMILY
Caribbean
FROM THE FAMILY
Jerry and Buddy
FROM THE FAMILY
Castle
FROM THE FAMILY
Buddy
FROM THE FAMILY
Lee and JoAnn - Hawaii
FROM THE FAMILY
Jerry and John Walter at 50th high school reunion
FROM THE FAMILY
Bahamas- 2015
FROM THE FAMILY
Jerry and friend
FROM THE FAMILY
Munday Reunion - Jerry standing on the end facing camera
FROM THE FAMILY
Nancy and Chris
FROM THE FAMILY
Bowden family - 1988
FROM THE FAMILY
Jerry at cemetery October 14, 2020.
FROM THE FAMILY
Chris Headstone
FROM THE FAMILY
Caribbean
FROM THE FAMILY
Ruidoso-Two Jerry's
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
Plan trip to Danube
FROM THE FAMILY
Jerry
FROM THE FAMILY
Christmas time at Nancy's
Jerry, Kate, Ruby, Nancy, and Buddy
FROM THE FAMILY
Ruby and Jerry making waffles
FROM THE FAMILY
Yard party
FROM THE FAMILY
Volksmarch medal
FROM THE FAMILY
Dinner with Kate and Ruby at La Hacienda
FROM THE FAMILY
Ferris Wheel ride on Danube trip
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
Jerry Fall of 2020
FROM THE FAMILY
Our wedding day, July 1967
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
Jerry and Kate
FROM THE FAMILY
Nancy, Ruby and Jerry
FROM THE FAMILY
Jerry, Kate and Nancy
FROM THE FAMILY
Jerry and Matt
FROM THE FAMILY
Jerry and Budding sitting outside summer of 2020.
FROM THE FAMILY
Kate, Jerry, Matt, Ruby, and Elizabeth eating a bite on the Danube
FROM THE FAMILY
Kate and Papa watching TV