Donald Bowen

Donald Eugene Bowen of Carroll, Ohio passed away Wednesday, May 19, 2021 at the age of 90.

Don is survived by his sister, Patty (Clarence) Thomas; his children, Carnell (Jack) Mattlin and Jeff Bowen; his grandchildren, Trevor (Melissa) Bowen, Kaitlin (Fred) Murray, Sean (Lauren) Van Tussenbroek, and Jay Mattlin; and so many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Don is preceded in death by both of his parents, Carl and Nellie (Hanna) Bowen, his wife of 53 years, Florence “Lois” Bowen, and very special friend, Rose Doty.

Don was born January 12, 1931 in Havensport, Ohio to Carl and Nellie (Hanna) Bowen. He graduated from Carroll High School and went on to trade school to learn drafting. Upon completing his program, he was hired at Rockwell International which later became Boeing Aviation. During his time at Rockwell and Boeing, he worked on many projects including work on the Rockwell B-1 Lancer (Bomber) and several of the NASA space shuttles including the Atlantis and the Challenger. Don retired from Boeing in 1986.

Don was an avid golfer and golf enthusiast. Don also made custom golf clubs for people after retirement. In 1992, Don and Lois moved to Barefoot Bay, Florida to a retirement community. Don passed his days watching old westerns, golfing, and meeting up with their friends for coffee and dinner. Don took a painting class while in Florida and picked up painting as a new hobby. Don painted for many years – mostly landscapes, golf courses, and flowers but picked up doing portraits after a few years. Don even taught his grandchildren, Kaitlin and Jay, how to paint during their visits to Florida each summer. Don won several awards from entering his paintings into art shows. He was still actively painting until a few months before his death. Don and Lois moved back to Carroll, Ohio in 2004. After Lois’ passing in 2007, Don took up collecting Cadillacs and entering them into local car shows. Don has a plethora of awards from car shows and he took great pride in taking care of his cars and loved showing them off to family and friends.

Don did not want anyone to make a fuss over him so there will be no funeral service however the family has planned a Celebration of Life at the Carroll Civic Center, 89 E Canal St, Carroll, OH 43112 from 5pm to 8pm on June 18, 2021. Friends and family may send condolences to 94 Market St., Carroll, OH 43112. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Shriner’s Children’s Hospital.

Caring Cremation has taken place by the FRANK E. SMITH FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORY. To leave an online condolence, and sign the obituary, please visit www.funeralhome.com.