Russell B. Bowen

Mr. Russell B. Bowen, age 85, passed away Tuesday, December 11, 2007 at his home. He was born on December 7, 1922 to Bert and Nellie (Sweet) Bowen in Muskegon. He worked for Muskegon Piston Ring as a grinder prior to his retirement in 1975. He was a member of Church of God United and took part in the Young at Heart Seniors Group. Mr. Bowen enjoyed fishing and hunting, playing horseshoes, bowling, and gardening. He served his country as a Merchant Marine. On June 3, 1978 he married Margaret (Greene) Vanderlip in Muskegon. SURVIVORS include his wife, Margaret; 7 children, Russell (Gerry) Bowen of Zeeland, Ardith Pearson of Rothbury, Jackie (Van) Chester of Hesperia, Betty (Tim) LaForest of Twin Lake, Robert (Linda) Bowen of Twin Lake, Tom (Dena) Bowen of Rothbury, and Wayne (Shari) Bowen of Muskegon; 4 step-children, Marsha Stever, Helen (Joe) Popelar, Brenda Garcia, and Gary Vanderlip; 24 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; 5 great-great grandchildren; 2 brothers, Richard Bowen and Bert Bowen; and 2 sisters, Esther Davenport and Betty Struck. He was preceded in death by his former wife Genieve Walton-Bowen in 1975 and 1 son, David Bowen. The FUNERAL SERVICE will be 11 AM Friday at the Church of God United (1630 Harvey St.) with Pastor Phillip Grossenbacher officiating and Pastor Lynnette Gillett co-officiating. VISITATION with Mr. Bowen's family will be held today (Thursday) 2-4 and 6-8 PM at The Sytsema Chapel Sytsema Funeral Homes, Inc. 737 Apple Ave. 231-726-5210 BURIAL will take place at Mona View Cemetery. MEMORIALS to Harbor Hospice or Young and Heart at Church of God United would be appreciated.