Louis "Sonny" Bowen

Sonny Bowen, age 80, of Gardendale, AL passed away on June 20th, 2024. He is preceded in death by parents, Reverend Louis P. Bowen and Lois Bowen; sister, Patsy Morrison. Sonny was married to the love of his life, Joan Koons Bowen for 61 years, with whom he shared four children: Sonya Bowen Austin, Sophia Bowen, Shea Bowen-Smith (Brian), and John-Eric Bowen (Natalie). Six grandchildren: Jona Bowen-Smith, Mykal, Sophie, Lola, Brooks, and Lane Bowen. They were the joy of his life. Sonny is also survived by his brother, Sammy Bowen (Dianne), and sister, Deborah Bowen, and a host of nieces and nephews who he dearly loved. Sonny began his career at Delta Airlines and retired after 36 years as an MD88 coordinator. He later worked part time for the City of Gardendale for 19 years. He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force. He dreamed from a child of working in aviation which was his passion, he also enjoyed hunting, fishing, weekends at the lake, snow skiing, and watching Alabama Football (Roll Tide) with his family and friends. You could always catch him and his family singing country songs on the balcony of Edgewater every summer. He loved just about everyone he ever met and they of course loved him just as much. But most importantly he loved his family and will be dearly missed by all of them. Sonny was a member of Gardendale First Baptist Church for 44 years and loved his church family. The funeral service to honor his life will be held at Gardendale Heritage Funeral Home on Tuesday, June 25, 2024 at 2:00. The family will receive guests for two hours prior to the service time. Burial will follow in Oakwood Memorial Gardens. Reverend Mark Harrison will officiate. In lieu of flowers, family request donations be made to Gardendale First Baptist Church Children’s Ministry. The family would like to extend our gratitude for the excellent care provided by UAB- MCCU and Palliative Care. Pallbearers for the service will be: John-Eric Bowen, Jona Bowen Smith, Sam Bowen, Brian Bowen Smith Curt Jarvis, Wade Bennet, Dennis Hand and Jeff Brooks. Honorary Pallbearers are Danny Hearn, Daniel Hearn, Derek Hearn, Chris Renshaw, Greg Brooks, Chuck Belcher and Lyle Arrington.

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Louis "Sonny" Bowen

August 18, 1943 - June 20, 2024