Raymond Alan Bowden

1925 - 2021

Raymond Alan Bowden

Carmel - Raymond Alan Bowden, 95, of Carmel, was born in Highland Park, MI to the late Eldred and Mary Bowden on May 12, 1925. He entered God's eternal kingdom on January 25, 2021.

Ray graduated from John Adams High School, in South Bend, IN and entered the U.S. Navy during W.W.II, in 1943, where he was based in Hawaii. After his discharge in 1946, he attended Hanover College, IN, where he captained the football team, was the president of the student body, and met his precious wife, Lucy. They were married in 1947 and he graduated in 1949. They were married for almost 65 years when Lucy passed away in 2012. Their marriage was truly "made in heaven." Ray was ordained a Presbyterian minister in 1952 after graduating from McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago, IL. He served with distinction in: Detroit, MI, as pastor of the Leitch Memorial Church and Olivet Church; Indianapolis, IN as Associate Pastor of First Presbyterian Church; St. Louis, MO as the Director of Church and Community Services; Kansas City, MO as Executive of the Kansas City and Topeka Highland Presbyteries; Chicago, IL as Presbytery Executive, and VP of McCormick Theological Seminary. In 1985, he returned to Indianapolis to serve as Senior Associate Pastor of Second Presbyterian Church. He retired in 2000, after serving 48 years in the ministry. After retirement he continued to serve at Second Church as a volunteer pastor up until early last year. Ray also received an Honorary Doctorate of Divinity from Hanover College, in 1969. Ray was a man of profound, humble faith and believed all people deserve to be treated with justice and dignity. Fighting for civil rights defined his ministry which was epitomized when he marched with The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in Montgomery, AL. He loved people, his family, and His Lord and Savior with an unreserved passion. He always had a joke at hand and could put a smile on anyone's face.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Richard and Bruce, and sister, Mary Lou Klein. He is survived by his children, Barry, Randall (Jamie Dack), Bryan (Beth), and Liane (Bill) Martin; six grandchildren, and 5 great-grandchildren.

The family wishes to thank all of Ray's friends who provided meals, flowers, thoughts, and prayers during his illness.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Second Presbyterian Church, 7700 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis, IN 46260.

Arrangements are in the care of Leppert Mortuaries - Nora. You may express condolences and memories at www.dignitymemorial.com.

A celebration of Ray's life will be held at a later date, due to the Covid-19 pandemic.