Darrell Lee Bowden

Darrell Lee Bowden, 79, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on September 5, 2025. His generous spirit and great love for others will not only be missed by his family, but also by all who knew him.

Darrell was born on December 13, 1945, in the parsonage attached to a little church in Edinburgh, IN. He enjoyed his childhood living on a small farm just west of Columbus, IN. From there, his family moved to Westfield, IN where he attended high school at Union Bible Seminary. After he graduated from high school, he attended Union Bible College for approximately three years. He then married the love of his life, Carol Ann Willis on June 30, 1965. They were privileged to celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary this year. They moved to Frankfort, IN where he finished his degree in Christian Ministry at Frankfort Bible College.

Following graduation, he pastored the Linton Indiana Wesleyan Church. Along with his pastoral preaching and ministry, he was also a painting and carpentry contractor.

In 1972, Darrell moved his family to Soak Creek, West Virginia where he pastored four years. He then started a new church in Grab Orchard, West Virginia that is still a legacy that continues to this day. Darrell had a heart and love for ministry. After being in West Virginia for seven years, he moved his family back to Westfield, IN where he pastored several churches, taught Sunday school, and helped in many other church and missionary projects. His last pastoral role was at the Shelbyville Wesleyan Church where God, through Darrell's leading and teaching, showed the congregation that they could never out give God. His devotion to the Lord was witnessed by all who knew him, and there are many testimonies to the impact he had on their lives.

Darrell loved to work in his beautiful garden where he also grew flowers that he took to Chick-fil-A, his favorite breakfast spot. The doctor's office also received a weekly vase of flowers, and with a cane in one hand and flowers in the other, all the new neighbors received a fresh bouquet. He was devoted to his beloved wife, Carol. Always proud of his children and grandchildren, always wanting to make their lives better in so many ways.

He enjoyed hunting with Wayne, talking about sports with Dave, taking the grandkids to the State Fair, and volunteering for mom to cook for family and anyone else he could find to bring in for a meal. His favorite was making homemade ice cream for everyone.

Darrell is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Carol Ann (Willis) Bowden; sons, Wayne Bowden (Tracy) and Dave Bowden (Jackie); eight grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren.

Family and Friends will gather on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at 10:30 am in Fishersburg Wesleyan Church, 9822 W. Main Street, Lapel, IN 46051 where the Funeral Service will begin at 12 noon.

Burial will follow in Perkinsville Cemetery.

Bussell Family Funerals is privileged to assist the family in arrangements.