John Robert Bowen

John Robert Bowen, born August 4, 1944, in Tacoma, Washington, passed away peacefully in August 2026. He was the son of Mark Bowen of Paragould, Arkansas, and Ethel Francis Vernam of Stanislaus County, California.

John grew up in Tacoma in a lively household with his siblings: Marlene “Marty” Mae (Brown) Bolibol, Mark Allen Bowen, Linda Louise (Bowen) Gilmore, Shirley Ann (Bowen) Taylor (born Sep 26, 1947), and Gary Bowen (born Nov 14, 1950). His childhood home at 7424 South D Street was the center of his early life — a place shared across generations with grandparents, extended family, and the stories that shaped him.

As a teenager, John struck out on his own and traveled to Michigan, where he completed high school and graduated. He later enlisted in the United States Air Force with pride, but after ten weeks of basic training was honorably discharged when it was discovered he was colorblind. He returned home to Tacoma, welcomed by family and lifelong friends.

On May 27, 1966, John married Barbara JoAnn (Otto) Bowen, the love of his life. Their marriage lasted over 60 years, built on a partnership of laughter and unwavering devotion. Together they raised two children, Angela Marie (Bowen) Hardy and Robert Warren Bowen, who remained the center of his world.

John worked as a warehouseman for William Volker & Company and ended his career working for Safeway. He spent many years as a proud Teamster, known for his reliability and strong work ethic. Outside of work, he was happiest with a softball glove on his hand, a fishing pole in the water, or a hunting rifle slung over his shoulder. John loved to sing and karaoke. He was an avid bowler, and in his spare time he coached women’s softball and helped set up and run the Firecracker 320 — the world’s largest women’s softball tournament. He loved camping and fishing with family, and his whole family meant everything to him. John loved exploring the outdoors and discovering the world around him — a curiosity he carried throughout his life.

Shortly after retiring to Tucson, Arizona, John experienced a stroke which affected his speech and the right side of his body. Although he never fully recovered, he never gave up and regained much of his abilities through therapy and home exercises.

John and JoAnn loved their home in Arizona, where they made more friends and created more memories together while living out their retirement life.

John is survived by his devoted wife of 60 years, Barbara JoAnn Bowen; his children, Angela Marie Hardy and Robert Warren Bowen; his son‑in‑law, TaDarryl Hardy; his daughter‑in‑law, Tracey J. (Elliott) Bowen; and his grandchildren and great‑grandchildren, who brought him immense joy. He is also survived by his siblings Gary Bowen and Shirley Ann Taylor, along with numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and lifelong friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Mark Bowen (Aug 10, 1912 – Nov 17, 1977) and Ethel Francis Vernam (Jun 6, 1916 – Jan 9, 1952); his siblings Marlene “Marty” Mae Bolibol (Jun 1, 1937 – Jun 24, 2012), Mark Allen Bowen (Aug 4, 1943 – Sep 14, 1987), and Linda Louise Gilmore (Jul 31, 1945 – Nov 15, 2024); and many beloved relatives who helped shape his early years on South D Street.

A celebration of John’s life will be held on October 09, 2026, at 5:00 PM at Trinity Lutheran Church - 12115 Park Ave. S, Tacoma, WA 98444, where family and friends will gather to share memories, honor his legacy, and reflect on the love he gave so freely. His ashes will be laid to rest in accordance with his wishes, surrounded by those who cherished him.

John will be remembered for his humor, steadiness, love of adventure, and the deep loyalty he showed to the people he cared about. His legacy lives on in his family, his stories, and the memories he leaves behind.

From his wife, JoAnn: John was the love of my life, my partner, and my closest friend. For more than sixty years, we built a life filled with laughter, family, and memories I will cherish forever. He made me feel safe, he made me smile, and he stood beside me through every joy and every challenge. I loved watching him sing, bowl, coach softball, and take pride in the simple moments that made our life together so full. He adored our family, and nothing made him happier than being surrounded by the people he loved. My world is quieter without him, but the love we shared will stay with me for the rest of my days. He gave me a beautiful life, and I will carry him in my heart always.

From his son, Robert: Dad taught me what loyalty really looks like. He showed up for the people he loved, every single time, without hesitation. He was steady, funny, stubborn in all the right ways, and he carried a quiet strength that shaped who I became. I will always remember the sound of his laugh, the way he lit up around family, and the pride he took in every moment he spent with us. I am grateful for every year we had — especially the ones he never thought he’d live to see. His legacy is woven into our lives, and I will carry him with me always.

From his daughter, Angela: My dad was my hero. He was the kind of father who made you feel safe just by being in the room. He loved deeply, laughed loudly, and gave everything he had to his family. Some of my favorite memories are of him singing, bowling, coaching softball, and cheering us on in everything we did. He was proud of us — and we were proud to be his. I will miss his voice, his humor, and his hugs, but I will carry his love with me for the rest of my life.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Tacoma Pierce County Humane Society, the American Heart Association, or a charity of your choosing.