Obituary of Ralph C. Bowen

Mr. Ralph C. Bowen, Sr., 80, of Creek Rd., Cooperstown (Dempseytown) passed away at 2:11 PM on Saturday, April 30, 2016, at his residence. Mr. Bowen was born on April 24, 1936, in Reno to the late James Clyde and Luella Violet Roddy Bowen. He married Patricia L. Barker on May 3, 1956, in Franklin. Mrs. Bowen preceded him in death on September 23, 1990. He was a graduate of Oil City High School, class of 1955. Mr. Bowen also served in the National Guard during the Korean War. He was employed by Wolf’s Head Oil Company and Pennzoil for 48 years in the wax department and as a truck driver. He was also employed by Matteson Equipment of Titusville and in his later years volunteered his time to drive for Hand In Hand Christian Counseling of Franklin. His greatest job was working on the family farm in the fields and raising beef cattle. Mr. Bowen was a member of the Mt. Carmel Tabernacle in Dempseytown. He was a lifetime member of the Oakland Twp. Volunteer Fire Department, Chairman of the Board for the Titusville Food Bank, a past President of the Pennsylvania Fire and Police Association, a Red Cross and Hazmat volunteer. He enjoyed woodworking, going to auctions, hunting and watching NASCAR. Mr. Bowen is survived by 2 sons, Ralph C. Bowen, Jr. and companion Kimberly Lowman of Dempseytown, Michael L. Bowen and wife Bridget of Oil City; 2 daughters, Linda Chatley of Franklin, Penny Whitman of Spokane, WA; numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren, a brother, Robert James Bowen, Sr. and wife Patricia of Franklin; a close friend and caregiver Chrissy Lumley and husband Allen Bilbie of Franklin; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a sister, Mildred Rice. Friends may call at the Gordon B. Garrett Funeral Home 303 N. Washington St., Titusville on Tuesday from 6 to 8 pm. Funeral services will be conducted from the Mt. Carmel Tabernacle in Dempseytown on Wednesday at 11:00 am with Rev. Dana Lewis, pastor of the church, officiating. Interment will be in Dempseytown Lutheran Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Titusville Food Bank or the Oakland Twp. Volunteer Fire Department.