Obituary of John M. Bowen, Sr.

John M. Bowen Sr., age 83 of Pennsville died peacefully Monday at home following a brief illness. Born in Carney's Point on February 15, 1928, he was the son of the late Albert and Norva (Speakman) Bowen. He was a native resident of Salem County. John attended Penns Grove Regional High School and graduated in 1946. While in high school, he played center for the football team. Upon graduation, he attended Drexel University until being drafted into the Korean War. After serving in the army, John worked as an operator for Dupont Plant One. He retired from Dupont in 1980 with 32 years of service. John then enrolled at Glassboro State College in the Industrial Arts Teaching Program. He graduated Magna Cum Laude from Glassboro State College in 1983 with a Bachelors degree and taught industrial arts and middle school at the Oldmans Township School District, retiring in 1994 with 11 years of service. Since his retirement from Oldmans, John remained active in the community. He served as a volunteer at the Memorial Hospital of Salem County, Salvation Army, American Red Cross, and Meals on Wheels. In previous years, he served as an Auxiliary Police Officer for Pennsville, coach and vice-president for Pennsville Little League, and a current member of the Pennsville VFW post. John loved his family deeply. He especially enjoyed the time spent with his wife Evelyn and his Old English Sheepdogs, Mandy and Bubba. In his spare time, John enjoyed painting, drawing, camping, bird watching, and woodworking. In addition to his parents, John was predeceased by his wife Evelyn (Harris); his 2 brothers, Albert III and Lawrence. He is survived by his sister Joan Monger of Wellsboro, PA; his 2 sons Joe (Ida) of Pennsville and John Jr. (Judy) of North Cape May. He also leaves behind his 4 grandchildren Joanna (Matt), Jon Eric, Nicholas, and Matthew (Colleen); and 2 great-grandchildren Joe and Michael. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM Friday, July 29, at the Laughrey Funeral Home, Pennsville where friends may call Thursday evening from 7:00 - 9:00 PM. Burial will be at the St. George's Cemetery, Pennsville. Contributions to John's memory may be made to the Game Creek Road Humane Society.