Kenneth J. Bowen

Kenneth J. Bowen, age 77, of Arkadelphia, passed from this life on Friday, Aug. 29, 2014 at the Respite Care Unit at Baptist Medical Center in Arkadelphia after a long battle with cancer. He was born on Oct. 1, 1936 in Mena, the son of the late Cecil and Willie Bowen. Ken was of the Baptist faith. He was preceded in death by his special daughter, Leslie; and his brother, T. Gerald Bowen. Ken was the owner of Bowen Restaurants which started in 1961. He was a graduate of the University of Arkansas with an agriculture and chemistry degree. During his years in the restaurant business, Ken served as president of the Arkansas Restaurant Association and received the Salut au Restaurateur Award twice. He served as chairman of Government Affairs and was given the honor of employer of the year by the National Association of Developmentally Disabled Children. Ken had over 136 special children employed in Arkadelphia and Conway during the years. Ken is survived by his wife of 53 years, Susan, of Arkadelphia; and his very special son, David. At his request, there will be no visitation or memorial service. A private burial will be held at a later date. Memorials may be made to Give Me A Chance Equine Rescue, 68 Terrapin Trail, Arkadelphia, Ark. 71923 or the Humane Society, P.O. Box 435, Arkadelphia, Ark. 71923. Final arrangements are entrusted to The Welch Funeral Home of Arkadelphia. Visit www.welchfh.net to sign the online guest book.