Donald Bowen

Alva Donald Bowen, 81 of Benton, stepped into Heaven on Wednesday, February 14, 2018. He was born on August 9, 1936 in Benton, Arkansas to the late Alva and Alice Bowen. Donald was of the Baptist faith, having received the Lord Jesus in his heart at Marshall Road Baptist Church in Jacksonville, Arkansas. He proudly served his country, serving in the United States Navy and the United States Air Force. After 21 years of military service, he received an Honorable discharge. Donald was a Vietnam War veteran. Upon completion of his military service, he used his airplane mechanic and jet engine mechanic knowledge to work with Lear Siegler Corporation in Okinawa, Japan, the Dynalectron Corporation in Germany at Bitburg Air Force Base, the Bowing Company in Seattle, Washington, Lockheed/Martin at Little Rock Air Force Base and Raytheon Aerospace at Warner Robbins Air Force Base in Georgia. Donald loved taking cruises around the world with his precious wife, Cecil, being at home in Benton, feeding his birds, taking care of his cat, Panther and even keeping the Magnolia leaves picked up around the huge Magnolia tree in the front yard. Donald never met a stranger and always had a story to tell you. He was preceded in death by his son, Steven Bowen and daughter, Linda Sue Bowen. Donald is survived by his wife, Cecil Tan-Albright Bowen, son, Richard Michael Bowen of Van Alstyne, Texas, daughters, Tammy Landers of Little Rock and Michelle Bowen of Wichita, Kansas, grandchildren, Jessica Bowen, Logan Mounger and Chandler Bowen, sisters, Glenda Crowson of Benton, Renny Hamilton of New Albany, Indiana, Patsy Revis of Killeen, Texas and Patricia Davis of Milan, Tenn. Many loving family members and friends. Chapel services by Ashby Funeral Home will be 11 a.m. on Monday, February 19th with burial to follow at Pine Crest Cemetery in Alexander. Visitation will be Sunday, February 18th at Ashbys, 1:30 until 3 p.m. On line guestbook at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com.