Christopher Bowen

Christopher Arnold Bowen, 59 years old Blackfoot resident, passed away at Bingham Memorial Hospital from a sudden illness on December 22, 2025.
He was born February 3, 1966, in Salt Lake City, UT, the son of Arnold Wayne Bowen and Diana Briggs Bowen. He was the youngest of three children and grew up alongside his sibling Bradley Bowen and Cindy Bowen Brown.
Chris attended high school in Ririe, Idaho. After completing the 11th grade he made a bold decision that reflected both his independence and adventurous spirit. He left home with friends and traveled to California to pursue a career as a jockey. What began as a leap of faith became a lifelong passion and profession. Chris enjoyed a successful 27 year career in horse racing. He achieved more than 2,300 recognized starts and 367 wins. In 2000 he ranked 62 Nationally in race wins and in 2004 ranked 8th in the Northwest in Race wins. His accomplishments reflected not only his skill and discipline, but also his deep love for the sport.
In Sept 2009, Chris's riding career came to an end after he broke his hip in Idaho Falls. Even then, his connection to racing never faded. He continued working at the track for many years as part of the starting gate crew, remaining close to the community and the work that had defined so much of his life.
Chris shared nearly three decades of his life with his longtime partner, Donna Cronquist. In January 2026, they would have celebrated 30 years together. During their time together Chris demonstrated remarkable compassion and selflessness as a devoted caretaker to Donna's mother during her years of ill health. He truly loved caring for her and took great pride in that role. He showed patience, tenderness and quiet devotion that spoke volumes about his character.
Chris was a devoted father and grandfather. Besides Donna Cronquist, Chris is survived by his three children from his first marriage to Sydney: Jessica Stephens, Krystal (Aaron) Hansen and Tyson (Taylor) Bowen, all of Idaho Falls. He was a proud grandfather to ten grandchildren, each of whom brought him immense joy. He is also survived by his aunt Deanna and many other extended family members and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents Arnold Wayne Bowen and Diana Sucher; his siblings, Bradley Bowen and Cindy (Bowen) Brown; and 4 nephews and nieces.
Chris will be remembered for his resilience, his work ethic, his love of horse racing, and his unwavering devotion to those he cared for. Those who knew him best will remember his steady presence, his generous heart, and the loyalty he showed to family and loved ones.
Chris now joins his family and friends at the great racetrack above where the gates are always open and the ride is endless. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
Funeral services will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, Jan 2, 2026, at the Hawker Funeral Home, 132 S. Shilling Ave. in Blackfoot. The family will meet with friends for an hour prior to services. Interment will be in the Riverside-Thomas Cemetery.