Philip R. Bowen

Morrill -
Philip R. Bowen, a decorated federal law enforcement officer, dedicated public servant, and beloved member of his community, passed away peacefully on October 14, 2025, in his hometown of Morrill, Maine. He was 91 years old.
Born on February 16, 1934, the youngest of ten children raised on the family farm, Phil grew up surrounded by the values of hard work, humor, and resilience. These qualities shaped a life devoted to service and adventure. After graduating from Gorham State Teachers College, Phil served as an Army Military Policeman near the end of the Korean War. This began a lifetime of commitment to protecting and serving the nation.
Phil's federal career began with the Treasury Department, chasing moonshiners through the Carolinas. He then served in the U.S. Border Patrol in Presidio, Texas, before joining the U.S. Customs Service in 1961, where he would find his calling and leave a lasting legacy. Over a distinguished 26-year career, Phil rose to the rank of Regional Director, serving in key posts across the country, from Massachusetts, North Carolina, Virginia (Washington, D.C.), then Florida, California and Washington State.
As a Special Agent, Assistant Special Agent in Charge and later as a senior leader in U.S.Customs, Phil tackled complex cases involving heroin smuggling from Thailand, illegal technology exports in Silicon Valley, wildlife trafficking, and fraud. His work during the 1972 political conventions in Miami Beach, where he served as Special Agent in Charge, stands as one of many examples of his courage, integrity, and innovation and professionalism that made him a respected leader. He inspired colleagues with his deep curiosity and unwavering commitment to justice.
Upon retiring in Seattle in 1987, Phil returned home to Maine and married his childhood sweetheart, Joan. Together they created a life rich in love, exploration, and joy. Whether hunting, golfing, hiking the Everglades, picking morel mushrooms in the Cascades; or enjoying two African safaris together, Phil embraced each day with enthusiasm. A lifelong lover of nature, birds and history, he spent countless hours bird watching, exploring Civil War sites, mountain trails, and his own back fields.
Phil was a proud lifetime member of Northport Golf Club and served on the board of the Eastern Maine Seniors Golf Association until his health no longer allowed him to play. Yet even in later years, he remained active in his community and steadfast in his friendships. Together with his wife, Joan, Phil founded the Northport Golf Course Junior Golf Fund, helping to support and inspire the next generation of young golfers.
Mischievous and magnetic, Phil loved to laugh and tell a good joke. His sense of humor was legendary-whether convincing a city neighbor that "snow snakes" were real, or offering a playful wink to a nurse, often being cantankerous and flirty all at once. His warmth and kindness made everyone feel welcome. Being part of Phil's extended family didn't require blood ties-only connection and heart.
Phil is survived by his loving wife Joan; his children David Bowen (Eileen) and Cathy Rooney; and Joan's children Roxie Whitney (Terry), Dianne Drake, Michael Blood (Barbara), Dale Blood (Billy Jo) and Rafe Blood. He is also survived by his older sister, Dorothy Wood, and his devoted nephew, Darrell Bowen. He leaves behind a large and blended family who adored him, and countless friends, colleagues, and neighbors whose lives he enriched. He was preceded in death by his parents and the rest of his siblings.
Phil passed away as the autumn leaves fell gently from the maple and oak trees-a fitting tribute to a man who lived with grace, strength, and quiet dignity. He never sought accolades for his extraordinary career; instead, he chose to savor retirement in the town that raised him, with the woman he loved by his side. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.
A celebration of life will be held Sunday November 2, 2025 from 2-5pm at Darby's Restaurant in Belfast Maine. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Northport Golf Course Junior Fund, PO Box 187 Belfast, ME 04915
Rest in peace, Phil Bowen. Your service, your laughter, and your spirit will never be forgotten.
Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.ripostafh.com