Wayne Joseph Bowen

Wayne Joseph Bowen 92 of Springville Utah passed away Saturday May, 06 2017 at Mountain View Hospital in Payson Utah from post-surgery complications. He was born to Thomas and Gladys (Sorenson) Bowen on September 15, 1924 in Cokeville, Wyoming. He was the second of 8 children. He was raised in Springdale, Idaho later graduating as a proud Bobcat from Burley High School in 1942. With admiration for his eldest brother Jack Bowen that was a Marine, he was compelled to join the United States Marine Corps in 1943 in Pocatello, Idaho. Wayne was E Company 2nd Battalion 1st Marine 1st Marine division. He was awarded "Expert Rifleman" in 1944 and scoring one of the highest in his platoon placed him in the infantry division; front lines. He was a WWII hero that endured battles on Peleliu Island and Okinawa. He was sensitive to his war-time experiences and often recalled the suffering of his fellow soldiers. On May, 05 1945 while crawling over a hill in combat he was shot through the left side of his mouth and jaw, breaking his jaw in 3 places. Miraculously the bullet exited the right side of his neck sparing his life. After a lengthy recovery in Hawaii and a visit from his brother Jack, he returned home to Pocatello Idaho. He was awarded the Purple Heart. Wayne was featured in a KBYU documentary and is featured in the book "Courage In A Season of War" written by Paul H. Kelly and Lin. H Johnson. Wayne was a wonderful husband, father and family man dedicating his life and ambitions to his family. He was married to Rose Marie Guadagnoli for 43 years. He never remarried. He raised 3 children Gary Wayne Bowen, Melony Marie Bowen and Judy Bowen (Alispach). He was a beloved grandfather to his 7 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren and one great-great grandson. Wayne retired from Pacific States Cast Iron Pipe Company in Provo Utah after 35 years. Following his retirement he was employed with Tooele Army Depot, Prolitho, and Wing Enterprises. Wayne will always be remembered for his faith in Jesus Christ, the love he had for his family and his ability to light up a room with his great sense of humor. Wayne was a member of The Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks Lodge #849. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, coin collecting, writing and reciting poetry, harmonica, singing, creating wood crafts and listening to music. He was known in various restaurants including The Cracker Barrel, Denny's and Ihop accompanied by his doting daughters Melony and Judy where they spent many hours in laughter and warmth in his presence. He will be dearly missed by all that served him. He is preceded in death by his parents Thomas Elmer Bowen and Gladys Bowen (Sorenson), his siblings Jack, Betty, Elmer, Leland, and Garth. He is survived by his brothers Richard Bowen (Susan) and Jerry Bowen (Billie) , his 3 children Gary, Melony, and Judy (Alan Alispach), Grandchildren Tabatha Rose Allred (Joseph) Mandie Mae Lornie (Michael) , Autumn Billings, Alan Christopher Alispach (Akila Cornish), Shilo Bowen, Bryan Bowen, and Amy Drumm , his Great-Grandchildren, Genrtry Merideth, Braxton Merideth, Mia Allred, Benjamin Corrales, Madeline Alispach Sandoval, Albert Henry Lowe, Ayanna Cozy, Jaxson Billings, Olivia Billings, Madison Bowen, Gaitlyn Bowen, Dillinger Bowen, Kayden and Kyler Drumm, numerous in-laws, nieces, nephews, neighbors, friends and admirers that will all miss him greatly. Visitation will be from 6-8 pm at Wheeler Mortuary in Springville on Thursday May 11, 2017. Funeral will begin Friday at 11:00 am at Wheeler Mortuary presided by Rev. Father Jorge Martinez of St Francis Catholic Church followed by internment at Evergreen Cemetery in Springville Utah. Pallbearers are Gary Bowen, Richard Bowen, Jerry Bowen, Kip Bowen, Gentry Merideth, Jaxson Billings and Christopher Alispach. Honorary pallbearers are Benjamin Corrales and Braxton Merideth. Special Thank You to Central Utah Veterans Home in Payson, Mountain View Hospital, St Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, Wheeler Mortuary, Carmen Carillo, and the many admirers that shared their gratitude for his service and cheerful outlook on life both in letters and in person. "This is the day The Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it" Psalms 118:24