Obituary of Leon Bowen

Leon Curtis Bowen, 78 of Bethel, passed from this life to his heavenly home on Tuesday, March 20, 2007 at Broken Bow, OK. He was born October 15, 1928 in Bethel, OK to Maudie Epsie (Smith) and Leonard Edward Bowen. Leon had been a member of Bethel Missionary Baptist Church for many years. He loved reading his Bible, attending church and visiting with family and friends. In his earlier years he enjoyed hunting, fishing and traveling the rodeo circuit in Arkansas in which he preformed as a Bronc Rider. At the age of 16, during World War II, he joined the United States Army. He proudly served our county for 3 months until it was discovered that he was only 16 years old, which resulted in an honorable discharge. Later, when he became of age he was involved in the Korean Conflict where he earned several stripes, stars and medals for his bravery. He was very proud of his service in the United States Army. Leon was preceded in death by his parents, Maudie Epsie (Smith) Bowen and Leonard Edward Bowen. Survivors include one daughter, Beverly (Jeanie) Nichols of Broken Bow; one brother, Nelson Bowen of Bethel; three sisters and brothers-in-law, Fern and Leo DuMilieu of Lakeview, OR, Wanda and RV McKinney of Bethel, OK and Joyce and James Belk of Lincoln, CA; 3 aunts, Opal Kenney of Burney, CA, Vida Bowen of Bethel, OK and Margaret Harris of Prairie City, OR; 4 grandchildren, Jesse Nichols of Holly Creek, Angela Harder of Battiest, Brad Nichols of Farmersville, LA, John Nichols of Broken Bow; eight great-grandchildren, Wren and Bethany Harder, Edge and Wyatt Nichols, Cathleen, Jesse, Victoria, and Colten Nichols; several nieces, nephews, other relatives and a host of friends.