Richard Bruce Bowen

Richard Bowen, 84, passed away on April 8th after a three-year illness. Born in St. Louis and moved with his family to San Jose after WWII, Richard was a 1957 graduate of Willow Glen High School and spent 23 years with The Union Ice Company in San Jose and 14 years with HNL Enterprises.

Richard leaves behind his wife of 61 years, April (Roggia) Bowen, children Adam Bowen (Eddy) and Heather Lerner (Jay), and grandchildren Ian Bowen, Sam Lerner (Hannah), Isabel Bowen, and Noah Lerner. He is also survived by former son-in-law Andy and former daughter-in-law Anne. Richard was preceded in death by his parents Charles and Elizabeth Bowen, and by his older brother Charles Bowen.

Richard had a lifelong love of the outdoors, manifested in his love of Scouting. In his teen years, with his Troop 57, he was among the first campers at BSA Santa Clara County Council’s Camp Hi-Sierra, where he worked for a summer as a camp chef and enjoyed treks through the Sierra wilderness. He reprised his role of camp chef 50 years later at his daughter's private performing arts summer camp.

He spent 3 years with the U.S. Army on active duty and with the reserves. He subsequently spent time at San Jose City College with the drama department where he enjoyed backstage roles and earned his AA degree.

Richard volunteered as a Scout leader and led one of Scouting’s early co-ed Explorer posts. He volunteered with the Family History Center where he pursued his interest in genealogy, and regularly visited Guadalupe Oak Grove Park where he made new friends later in life. Richard loved Club Med and cruises and traveled to Mexico, Alaska and the South Pacific.

A private interment service has been held at Valhalla Cemetery in St. Louis, where Richard is alongside his father and paternal grandparents.

The family wishes to thank caregivers Kia, Bonhomie's Nick & Rey, and Redwood Hospice nurse Dindo.

A celebration of life will be held this summer in San Jose.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.willowglenfuneralhome.com for the Bowen family.