Person:Olen Bowen (1)

Published on 08/21/05 in the Fostoria Focus Olen Junior “OJ” Bowen

Olen Junior “OJ” Bowen, 82, of Portage, passed away on Thursday, Aug. 18, 2005 while in his home surrounded by his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He was born on July 22, 1923 in Rudolph to Oren and Cora (Allen) Bowen. He married Clara “Corky” Swain on July 5, 1946 in Bowling Green. Those who survive him include Corky, his wife of 59 years; sons: Danny (Jamie) of Sylvania, and Dennis (Pam) of Bowling Green; daughters: Cindy (Mark) Sidle of Wayne, and Barbara (Rick) Knapp of Charleston, S.C.; a brother, James of Carson City, Nev., a sister, Golden Stewart of Bowling Green; 11 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Kenneth, Clayton, Henry, Willard, and sisters Lula Mae Wenner and Betty Wenner. Olen was an elevator mechanic with Kerscher Elevator Co. in Toldeo for 36 years. A World War II veteran, Olen served with the 101st Airborne and was a recipient of the Purple Heart. He was a member of Faith Lutheran Church of Toledo, Albert Bowe American Legion Post #338 in Bradner and the Bavarian Club in Toledo. He especially enjoyed coaching Little League baseball in the former Adams Twp. leagues, bowling with the Bavarian Club, Senior Citizens Club in Bowling Green and farming in Wood CO. Visitation was held on Friday, Aug. 19, 2005 from 2 - 8 p.m. at Barndt Funeral Home in Wayne. Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 20, 2005 with Pastor Scott Estep. Burial will follow in Weaver Cemetery in Bloom Twp., Wood CO. Military Rites will be performed by Albert Bowe American Legion Post #338. Memorial contributions may be made to the Albert Bowe American Legion Post #338 or to Bridge Home Health and Hospice in Bowling Green.