Aurburn "Ray" Bowen

Aurburn Ray Bowen, 83, reached the shores of heaven into the presence of the Lord on Friday, May 7, 2021 at his home. Beloved husband of Linda S. Bowen (nee Lumley); loving father of Bryan (Bethany) Bowen and Cynthia (Darin) Baker; loving grandfather of Devyn, Darin Ray and Drew Petri, Benjamin and Brynnley Bowen and Dylan and Paige Baker; dear brother of Don Bowen, the late Gary Bowen, the late Gene (the late Judy) Bowen, Alvin (the late Emily) Bowen, Sandra (the late John) Johanningmeier, Steven (the late Patsy) Bowen, Russell (Mary) Bowen, Vicki (Jim) Kayser, Patsy (Mike) Colvin, Teresa Sparn and Bob Nickell; dear brother-in-law to the late Preston Honea, the late Richard Lumley and Deborah (Jim) Durbin; dear uncle, great uncle, cousin and friend to many. Ray is preceded in death by his parents, Aurburn Lee and Violet Elaine Bowen (nee Ray) and his in-laws, Charles D Lumley and Mildred Inez Lumley (nee Grimmett).

Ray never met a stranger and carries a lasting impression as a genuine, patient, funny, wise and kind hearted soul that always put others first while living life to the fullest. Ray is the oldest of 12 and, in Ray's early life, he spent several years working with his father while excelling in cross country and other sports, guitar, camping, hiking, and coaching baseball. He dearly loved his mother and baby sisters and truly enjoyed hunting and fishing with his father and brothers that brought about many indelible stories over the years.

In Ray's later life, he became an avid golfer and truly enjoyed playing his guitar and singing. He genuinely valued spending time with all of his family, especially with his 7 beautiful grandchildren. Ray always found peace in God's nature and creations, mostly during his secret place with the Lord being in the early morning hours while praying, sipping coffee and birdwatching. He will always be known to his wife as the love of her life, to his son as his rock, to his daughter as her hero and to his grandchildren as their lead role model. Ray will continue to live in the hearts of those he leaves behind and his legacy will live on through his children and grandchildren.

Ray served in Germany in the United States Army from 1962 - 1964, with the Hawk A Battery 4th Missile Battalion.

Services: Visitation Wednesday, May 12, 2021 from 4:00 pm - 9:00 pm. Funeral service Thursday, May 13, 2021 at 11:30 am. Both at John L. Ziegenhein & Sons Funeral Homes (4830 Lemay Ferry Road). Private interment at 1:00 pm at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers -
Donation options in honor/memory of Aurburn "Ray" Bowen....
Pedal the Cause: https://www.mypedalthecause.org/donation.jsp. (Select Rider/Volunteer -- "George Rugg")
Stray Paws Rescue: https://www.straypawsrescue.com/info/donate (Ray loved his fur grandbaby - Cooper)

Celebration of Life for all of Ray's family and friends will begin at 1:30 pm at South County Bible Church (4111 Von Talge Road, St. Louis, MO 63128).