Albert Bowen

Albert Bowen, 91, of New Buffalo, Michigan, died at home surrounded by his family on Saturday, January 5, 2013. Arrangements have been entrusted with Sommerfeld Chapel of New Buffalo.Albert was born July 2, 1921, in Royalton, Illinois, to parents Ira Hinkle and Robert Bowen. His brothers John and Ted Bowen and Frank and Bill Lutton, as well his sister Bernice Schottmuller, all preceded him in death. A sister Corine Joffreys in Illinois is still living. Al’s bride Fay Jones Bowen and he celebrated an amazing 57 years of marriage the 7th of January. Al has 6 children, 16 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren, their spouses, nieces, nephews, in-laws who all adore him.His curly white-blonde hair as a child turned a wavy darker blonde before marrying Cecil Covert and going in the service. From this thirteen year union Al had two children, a daughter Judy Bowen Gill of The Villages, Florida, and Bob Bowen of New Buffalo. Al was a proud member of the U.S. Navy and served in WWII as a Gunner’s Mate on the S/S Barton, one of the only surviving destroyers in his fleet by the time the war came to an end. A passionate story teller, his family and friends heard dozens of war memories and could almost feel the sway of sleeping on a hammock on that Destroyer in the middle of the ocean. Al came home from the service at a time when jobs were snapped up by returning service men. After a time, he went to cosmetology school to work in the beauty shop in Union Pier that he and his wife Cecil owned. But ultimately he found his true talent niche when he began painting and perfecting his skills, apprenticing with other painters and decorating firms until he opened the successful Bowen’s Painting and Decorating.In 1956 Al married Fay Jones Bowen and lived in New Buffalo where they had four children: two daughters, Denise Jones James of Inverness, Florida, and Anne Bowen Vicari of Crete, Illinois, and two sons, Steve and Tim Bowen of New Buffalo.Al loved big band music and jazz. He was known to sing often to and with his children; one of their favorites is “You Are My Sunshine.” Al was an avid reader and a good cook, noted for his prize winning chili. Al and Fay traveled a good bit in later life and made beautiful memories. His passion was for bowling, often 4-5 times a week up until his 90th year. Six words that come quickly to mind to his family when describing Al: strength, hardworking, colorful, humor, integrity, and loving.A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Sommerfeld Chapel of New Buffalo, Michigan, on Saturday, January 12, 2013, 11:00 A.M. with Rev. Brad Bartelmay officiating. Visitation will precede the service from 10:00 – 11:00 A.M. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Anthony Hospice. Friends wishing to leave the family a message of condolence may do so at www.sommerfeldchapel.com