Richard L. Bowen Sr.

1935 - 2021

Richard L. Bowen Sr.

Nov. 1, 1935 - April 5, 2021

Richard Lee Bowen, Sr., age 85, of Cleveland passed away peacefully on April 5, 2021. Richard was born in Canton, Ohio on November 1, 1935 to the late Ray L. and Lillian E. Bowen.

He was preceded in death by his siblings, Irma McNeal, Ray, Earl and Walter Bowen, and his son, Richard Jr. He is survived by his loving wife Gail, and his first wife, Robin. Devoted father of seven children, Laurel Ann (Neil) Conway, Richard Jr. (deceased) (Susan), David (Karen), Sean (Amy), Scott (Ethel), Tabitha (Martin) Mensch, and Colin (Victoria), Richard even more adored his grandchildren Austin, Lee, Cameron, Evan, Carys and Samuel Bowen, and Merrick Mensch. Richard set the example for his family to strive for excellence in all endeavors.

Richard was an avid wine enthusiast and collector, skilled sailor, sport fisherman and gifted artist; travel was his passion, second to his family. He enjoyed being with people, no one was a stranger. A generous and engaging host, he welcomed all into his life. His career spanned over 60 years as an architect. He opened his firm, Richard L. Bowen and Associates Inc., in 1959 after graduating from Case Western Reserve University. A registered architect across the US and many countries around the world, Richard's designs have won many awards and recognitions. He touched us all with his passion and dedication to the growth and economic future of Northeast Ohio. In 2004, Richard was appointed a Knight of Honor by the Cleveland Commandery of the Sovereign Order of St. John of Jerusalem Knights Hospitaller. In 2010, Richard was distinguished with the designation of Citizen Architect by the American Institute of Architects. One of his most proud achievements was becoming a Governor-appointed member of the State of Ohio Board of Examiners of Architects. Throughout his life, Richard served on many boards and committees including Cleveland State University, The Cleveland Orchestra, Cleveland Institute of Art, American Institute of Architects, International Council of Shopping Centers, and Cleveland Museum of Contemporary Art. He was a true visionary, helping guide, design, and shape the ideals of his contemporaries.

Private family services will be at North Lawn Cemetery, Canton, Ohio. Reed Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements. No calling hours are planned. A celebration of life is being planned for a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the following foundations: Kent State University to benefit the Richard L. Bowen & Associates, Inc. Scholarship Fund. Donations can be made online at http://ksu.convio.net/Bowen or by calling Marti Ring, Senior Director of Philanthropy at 330-672-0932; Cuyahoga Community College Foundation to benefit the Gail and Richard Bowen Endowed Scholarship Fund. Donations can be made online at tri-c.edu/donate, or mailed to Cuyahoga Community College Foundation, 700 Carnegie Ave, Cleveland OH 44115; Cleveland State University Foundation, for the Richard L. Bowen and Associates Engineering Scholarship Fund, 2121 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44115-2214 (216-687-5522). Those wishing to send condolences or share a fond memory may sign the Reed On-Line Guestbook at www.reedfuneralhome.com.

Reed, 330-477-6721