Dr. Samuel Timothy Bowen

April 16, 1957 - January 19, 2021

Dr. Samuel Timothy Bowen put his entire self into so many pursuits they are hard to count. But his love, care, curiosity and passion were all cut short by COVID-19.

For almost 40 years he saw patients almost every day. He took every precaution, but somehow contracted COVID-19 shortly before Christmas. After three weeks in the hospital, including 10 days on a ventilator, he succumbed to his illness Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2021. The following attempt to summarize his life is incomplete at best. Dr. Bowen deserved so much more.

Sam was born April 16, 1957, in Ada, Okla., to Nelda and James Bowen. The third of four brothers, his family made their home in Lawton, Okla. He graduated valedictorian from MacArthur High School in 1975, went on to attend Rice University, graduating in 1979 and earned his M.D. from University of Texas Medical School in 1984.

Growing up he helped his family operate a working farm, raise horses, poultry, and hunting dogs, and maintain a large garden and orchard. He took on many interests including sports, hunting, fishing, and music. Along the way, he developed a profound love of learning and knowledge that would last his entire life.

At Rice University in Houston, his great love of learning was eclipsed when he met Cornelia "Connie" Kurth. Sam met Connie during an afternoon rainstorm. Like a scene from a classic movie, he offered her his umbrella and accompanied her the rest of the way to the library. From that first walk together, Sam knew he wanted to marry her.

Following Connie's lead, Sam changed majors from physics to biochemistry so he could spend more time with her. They studied for the MCAT together, which led them both to long careers in medicine. After they married and finished their respective medical programs, they moved to Mooresville, with their first child Eric in tow. His eldest recalls Sam describing his first experience in North Carolina, driving up and down the valleys of the Blue Ridge, mist gathering around the trees.

As they settled in North Carolina, he took turns in both family practice and emergency medicine. Their family expanded to include a second son, Marcus and daughter, Monica. Soon after that, they moved to Hickory, where Dr. Bowen continued to work in emergency medicine for six years at Frye Hospital.

Over the years it became clear that Dr. Bowen would always be a unique and passionate explorer of academic and artistic pursuits. He regularly took up new hobbies with intense passion to excel in everything he did. Sam especially enjoyed hobbies that yielded something he could share with his family, photography, furniture making, learning German to communicate with Connie's family, painting, brewing, vinting, open source computing, and even a bit of metal working. Above all of these, he loved to cook gourmet cuisine from around the world with and for family.

Dr. Bowen inspired others and loved to share knowledge. He mentored nurses, doctors and other medical practitioners, helping each to progress in their field and develop as professionals. He relished any chance he got to share a lesson from history, linguistics, economics, mathematics or science with anyone who would listen. But, Sam was happiest when he knew his experiences and mentorship could help others.

All of these pursuits never detracted from Dr. Bowen's care for his patients at Bowen Primary and Urgent Care. In Hickory, he was respected in both internal medicine and urgent care, and over the years he helped countless patients. Since 2015, Dr. Bowen and Connie have been caring for people in assisted living all over the state. He served these patients until the very end.

Looking back, it is clear that Sam's life was one defined by love; love of learning, love through service, and love of family.

Left behind to celebrate his life are his wife, Connie; children Eric (m. MaeBeth), Marcus (m. Heather) and Monica Bowen; grandchildren, Ursula and Fae; brothers, David, Nicholas and Mark, with their wives and extended families in both Oklahoma, Texas and California.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any gifts be made in memory of Sam to Doctors Without Borders.

Due to COVID-19, a celebration of his life has been delayed until April 17, at Corinth Reformed Church at 11 a.m. Details on social distancing requirements and streaming the service online will be published prior to that date.

www.bass-smithfuneralhome.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Hickory Daily Record on Jan. 24, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Samuel Bowen

Sponsored by Bass-Smith Funeral Home and Crematory - Hickory.

49 Entries

Korisha H Lixl

August 3, 2021

He was my doctor for nineteen years, but more than that he was my friend. Sometimes we talked for hours about his projects and mine. We exchanged ideas and compared notes. My condolences to Connie and the family. My God be with all of you.

Ella Mae Allen

April 24, 2021

I don't have words to say about his help to me, I knew he was a genius, a huge knot on top of my foot and in terrible pain he took one look and knew what it was. That's just one of the many times he changed my life. S brilliant man's life cut short. May he rest in peace. This world lost a great man

Marla Willis

February 18, 2021

Connie and family, I am so sad to hear of Dr. Bowen´s passing. Even though it has been years since we worked together I have many memories of his dedicated service to his patients. He was a wonderful, caring physician and he loved you and his family. What a tragic loss to the community and to the world.

MRS. TURNER

February 7, 2021

NICK, MARK AND DAVID,
I AM SO SAD TO HEAR OF SAMMY'S DEATH. SADDER TOO, BECAUSE APPARENTLY HE WAS HELPING SO MANY PEOPLE. MY DAVID SAW NICKS NOTICE, SENT IT TO ALLEN, WHO SENT IT TO ME. WISH YOU WOULD HAVE THE NOTICE PLACED IN THE LAWTON PAPER.
SO SORRY!

Tonya Morris

February 3, 2021

Tonya Morris

February 3, 2021

Tonya Morris

February 3, 2021

One of the greatest humans I have had the pleasure of knowing in this lifetime. To Connie ..I am so sorry for you and the children that you no longer have him to enjoy the rest of your lives with. I loved being apart of your family many years ago ..you and Sam gave me a loving place to come to work and learn just how family could be. I cleaned your home and looked after your children and it was alway a pleasure. You both touched my life in a powerful way. I have included a photo taken by Sam in 1996.

Owen & Joy Everett

February 3, 2021

Dearest Connie, we are heartbroken to hear this news. You and Sam took such wonderful care of our family for so many years. Please know we are praying for you and your family.
May God bless and keep you.

Lynne Gerami

January 31, 2021

I met Dr Bowen at Frye Hospital where we worked in the emergency room.
His wife,Connie became my Dr.
Both were kind caring and sensitive.
Dr Bowen will be greatly missed.

Ron Duncan

January 30, 2021

Dr. Bowen was the best doctor I have ever had. He helped me greatly during a health crisis. For that I will be eternally grateful. Love and prayers!

Richard Avery

January 30, 2021

Sincere blessings and comfort to all of Dr Bowens family.
Dr Bowen, was my doctor for many years prior to my moving to Costa Rica.
Dr Bowen was always very friendly
and very helpful showing concern as my doctor.
He was the best doctor I've had in my 78 years.
" God Bless you Dr Bowen " RIP

Peggy Floyd

January 29, 2021

Connie - I am so very sorry to hear of Sam´s passing. I have known him from his years at Frye, and then went on to become one of your patients. He was an outstanding man and such a comfort to me and so many of us that had the pleasure of knowing him. We all share in your loss.

Alise Thompson-Little

January 28, 2021

I'm so sorry to hear about Dr. Bowens passing. He was a great man and doctor. Prayers and love for his family.

Stacey Johnson Springall

January 28, 2021

I am so sorry to hear of Sam´s passing. It was such a shock. Your family has always held a special place in my heart! You were always so kind to me and I always felt so welcomed when caring for Monica and the boys! I will be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers!

Denise Frye

January 28, 2021

Connie & family, I am so very sorry for your loss. He was a wonderful doctor & I feel he saved me when my blood was so low & sent me directly to the hospital. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Sending big caring hugs to you.

Terri M Day

January 28, 2021

I just saw this and I am devastated. I met Dr. Bowen as a new nurse in the ER at Frye and worked with him in the ER at Lincoln County. His love of his family, his creativity (as I remember him sewing dresses for Connie and his daughter to match), his never-ending ability to teach under the worst conditions. He always met me with a hug and a smile after I left the ER and he went on to his urgent care. I often think of him and pull from things he taught me over those many years, the stories told...I am truly heartbroken.

Gene & Beth Holland

January 27, 2021

God! Thank you for giving us Sam as long as you did for he was a shinning example of your love.
Sam was so talented he learned to play the violin so that he could teach his granddaughter. He even made a dress for her himself.

Gary Poston

January 26, 2021

I respect and loved you both as professionals and as members of the medical family. He was a great physician and a loving man. He will truly be missed by many. Let me know if you ever need anything Connie. Much love!

Kellie Martin

January 26, 2021

Dr Bowen was one of a kind! The year I was blessed to have worked with him he gave me so much knowledge, encouragement, confidence in my work! We could call him any day at any time for a resident and he would take care of whatever the need was! He was truly dedicated to everything he did. This one hurts! My prayers are with his wife Connie and his family!

Marie Corne

January 26, 2021

I knew and respected Sam and Connie when their daughter, Monica, went to High Hope. I have such wonderful memories of this family.

Lee Gibbs

January 26, 2021

Dear Connie, Eric, Marcus, and Monica.
I am so sad about Sam. I was shocked and am still reeling. Such a needless end of life of a truly brilliant, talented, and caring man. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and community. God be with all of you, and I hope that you will be able to find peace.

Cousin Cassandra teel and family

January 26, 2021

Sorry about Sam. Sam was enjoyable when we were kids at Grandma's house at reunions. He has grown like the rest of us. Became a grown man had nice & handsome kids that I don't know names of. How special that he was a doctor with concern of others and patients. He took care of his Mom when she needed the help. God will take care of you all. Your in my prayers. He's having a great time seeing his parents again.

Gordon Martel

January 26, 2021

To the Bowen family, Dr. B was someone whose life needs to be celebrated . He was one of the nicest people I have had the good fortune of meeting. May he R.I.P.

Carrie Norton

January 26, 2021

My sincere condolences in the loss of pillar in the community and in our family. I felt like I got to know Dr. Sam better in the last couple of years than I had when we were young. As one of the cousins older than me, in a very large family, he was just one of Aunt Nelda's really smart sons lol. But when Aunt Nelda passed, just after my own mother had, we began to talk on the phone occasionally and I was glad to get to be a part of his mom's memorial service last summer. We would talk about computing, and painting some, and about genealogy, all of which he was much more knowledgeable than I, but I always enjoyed talking with him. I know he will be sorely missed by his family, his patients and his community.

Jack Iasiello

January 26, 2021

I am grateful for all of the guidance that Dr. Bowen gave me as I began my path to medical school. He was a wonderful mentor and caring physician. I feel honored to have known him.

LISA YORK

January 25, 2021

Connie, Keith and I are so sorry for your loss. Dr. Bowen and you helped us in many ways beside being our Drs. for many years. He was one of a kind...a blessing to who ever was fortunate to have known him. The medical care and attentiveness of caring that the both of you shared with us...says it all! Our Prayers are with You & Family.

Lisa York and Keith Blevins

Kristy Lail yelton

January 25, 2021

I am so very sorry of your loss. I pray for you and your family. I was a patient of his for may years. I also remember my student his daughter! May God bless the Bowen family!

Diane Johnson

January 25, 2021

Connie my heart is breaking for you and my eyes are brimming with tears. I am so sorry for your loss. He was a wonderful Doctor and friend. Love to you. Diane

Elaine Walker

January 25, 2021

So sad to hear this. My husband and I were patients of Dr. Bowen for many years. Wonderful Dr. as well as person!

Kay Watts

January 25, 2021

My Mother was a patient of Dr. Bowen and also Connie. When he moved to Hickory, She was his 4th patient that day and stayed with him until she died. She absolutely adored him. His demeanor with her was amazing. He would hold her hand, give her hugs and was so compassionate. If we needed anything, at anytime, he was there. He correctly diagnosed her when no one else could. He was loved by so many. He was brilliant and always encouraging. He did deserve more. Heaven has another great physician. Family of Ruth Reinhardt, chart #004

Jaime and Linda Abramsky & FamIly

January 25, 2021

We loved Sam and his family like our own! He was a wonderful friend who took care of our son (and brother) until his passing. We are forever grateful to Sam and the entire Bowen and Kurth family for everything they did for Nathan and our family. Words alone can never express our gratitude and love for Sam. May you Rest In Peace, Sam we will miss you!

Janice and Don Cohen and family

January 25, 2021

Connie, we are so saddened by the passing of Sam. We have many fond memories of you and the children when you lived in Mooresville.
Sending love and peace to you and your family.

Caroline Robbins

January 25, 2021

Connie so sorry There are no words to express the loss of a loved one. You are in my thoughts and prayers

De Arnett

January 25, 2021

I am so saddened and my heart goes out to Connie and family. I am a better man because of Sam... he believed in me when I found it difficult to believe in myself. Rest in peace, my friend. You never knew the impact you had on my life, but I have this special gift as your legacy.

Joyce Winn

January 24, 2021

Connie, you and Dr.Bowen,were my doctors and found my cancer early.

I will always remember him and throughout this difficult time ,may you know the deep and concern that I feel for you and family.

Joyce W. Winn

Kathy Good RN, NNP-BC

January 24, 2021

Much love and prayers go out to his family and close friends.
I taught ACLS, NALS with Dr Bowen many times. I was even one of his patients in the ER @ FRMC. He was an outstanding physician, but better yet an outstanding person.

Missy Briones

January 24, 2021

Connie,
After 18 years of nursing, he is still the best doctor I ever worked with. I can safely say I learned more from him than all of my other mentors combined. My prayers to you and your family. He will never be forgotten.

Ann and Claus Hohlen

January 24, 2021

Connie, Claus and I are saddened by the passing of Dr. Bowen, and we are so sorry for your loss. I first met Dr. Bowen many years ago, when I was a RN in the ICU at Frye Regional. He was an excellent physician, who truly cared about his patients, and treated nurses with respect and dignity. Dr. Bowen always took the time out of his busy schedule to teach, when nurses had questions, and we appreciated that. As a colleague, I was so impressed with him that I became a patient of his, and of yours. You both took excellent care of us over the years and we will always be grateful. Dr. Bowen was a wonderful man who will truly be missed. We are praying for peace and comfort for you and your family. God bless you all.

Brad and Susan Coley

January 24, 2021

Dear Connie,
Please know our hearts are with you and your family and we are so very sorry to hear of Sam's courageous battle and the tremulous loss for your family all who he cared for over the years . We hold you dear to our hearts and in our prayers.

paula atwood

January 24, 2021

Dr. Bowen, I miss you. The majority of my medical "education" came from you and Connie - our conversations, treatments of my family´s illnesses, and your advice while I was caring for Buzz.

Connie, I have no words to express my sadness for your loss or for your family´s.

What a beautiful story of how you two met. Doesn´t surprise me; the love was obvious. Hold the memories and your family close and those wonderful grandkids closer. Tell Dr Bowen stories and sing his songs often! Real love never dies.

Robert and Tanya Stiles

January 24, 2021

Connie, We're so sorry for you and your families great loss, may God comfort and bless you. He will be missed, both of you are caring and loving doctors.

Kay Pope

January 24, 2021

Connie I am so sorry to hear about Sam. He was such a sweet man. His manners as a doctor were impeccable. I thought so much of him. Connie if you would like give me a call if you need to talk. Reach out to me on fb. Love you girl.

Charmaine Bowman

January 24, 2021

Dr Bowen and Connie were always so caring and compassionate . So sorry to hear of this loss. Love and prayers for Connie and family during this difficult time.

Teresa McClelland

January 24, 2021

Connie, I am so sorry for your loss. Im praying for you and your family. I met both you and Dr. Bowen when I worked with Dr. Spees. I came to your office when you two had a practice together. I could always feel the love and caring that both of you shared for people. Dr. Bowen was a wonderful man and he will be missed. I pray for your comfort and peace during this time.

Terri Childres

January 24, 2021

He will be missed. He was an amazing man, doctor, teacher.

Crystal Cook

January 24, 2021

He was an awesome dr. His wife and him found the cancer in my niece which saved her life and now she a mother to 3 boys. God bless the family. Thank you for being such a great caring dr.

Karen Lee Martinez

January 24, 2021

Dr. Bowen, you will be missed. We were blessed with your love and your service.

Denise Baker

January 24, 2021

There are truly no adequate words. The Lord seems to call the best ones home first. Connie, we have you and your family in our prayers, love you big...

Rachel T. Price

January 24, 2021

With deepest sympathy in the earthly passing of Dr. Bowen, but believing he is in a better place free of pain and sorrow. It saddens me to hear this. He and Connie looked after me for a long time. Dr. Bowen "saved" my life by sending me to an orthopedic surgeon who gave me an improved life as I have a lifelong disability.
With Love and Peace, Rachel Price

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