John (Jack) Bowen, 91, of Springfield, Missouri, passed away on Tuesday, March 12.  Jack was born on October 9, 1927, to Richard and Louise Bowen in Falls City, Nebraska.  He was greeted by an older sister, Mary Jane and was followed by a brother, Samuel Dale.  

Jack was raised in a farming family, growing up on several farms in Doniphan and Brown counties in Northeast Kansas.  While he left the farm to follow business pursuits, the farm never left him.  The love of the outdoors, of working the land, prairie practicality and mechanical skills and an understanding of an honest days work were very much a part of the person he became.  He enjoyed playing golf, fishing and hunting, but his real passion was to follow sports, particularly baseball and basketball.  

While pursuing his education at Highland High School and Highland Community College in Highland, Kansas, he played on both schools’ basketball teams.  He also played baseball for local town teams, including one of the earliest racially integrated baseball nines.  He had an opportunity to play within the St. Louis Browns minor league organization.    

Jack first worked for the Highland Vidette as a linotype operator and printer.  He joined Conoco in 1956 as a tank wagon salesman and went into field sales in 1958.  His work took he and his family to St. Joseph, Missouri, Salina, Kansas, Independence, Kansas and Springfield, Missouri.  He retired after 35 years with Conoco, as the Account Manager-Branded of North America Marketing for Conoco.

He married Kathryn Elizabeth Flanders on his birthday, October 9, 1949 in Highland, Kansas.  Together, with dedication and loving purpose, they raised two sons, John Michael and Kenneth Dale.  Jack and Kathryn also took much pleasure in helping neighbors of all ages and college students.  Their door was always open and their home was filled with family and friends.

Jack was an active supporter and firm believer in higher education.  He generously supported Highland Community College, Kansas University, Kansas State University and Missouri State University.  He excelled as a salesman, with a keen interest in his customers and an understanding of the oil industry and business.  He was a member of the Missouri Oil Jobbers Association.

He was a member of Smithton Masonic Lodge #1 in Highland, Kansas, the Scottish Rite in Joplin, Missouri and Abou Ben Adhem Shrine in Springfield, Missouri.  

Jack was a firm believer in active participation and attendance with his church.  He was a member of First and Calvary Presbyterian Church in Springfield, Missouri.  He held various positions within the local churches he attended. He was a Ruling Elder and Trustee and Elder Commissioner to John Calvin Presbytery.  As a member of the Presbytery, Jack served as Elder Commissioner to the Synod of Mid-America, and as a member of the General Council Committee, Mission Interpretation and Public Relations Committee and Visiting and Planning Committee.  As a member of the Synod, he served as on the Higher Education Committee.   

Jack was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Louise Bowen, sister, Mary Jane Walker and brother, Sam Bowen.  He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Kathryn.  Also surviving are two sons, Mike (Linda) of Topeka, Kansas and Ken (Sharron) of Liberty, Missouri, four grandchildren, Mindy (Michael) Roberson of Olympia, Washington, Brad (Karen) Bowen of Cody, Wyoming, Eli Bowen of Liberty, Missouri and Emily Bowen of Chicago, Illinois and three great-grandchildren, Julia, John and Jocie, and many “adopted” children and grandchildren.  

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday March 18 at First and Calvary Presbyterian Church.  Visitation will be from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 17 at Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home.

Due to the inclement weather conditions, a short service with Masonic Committal Service will be held at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, in Highland, on March 19 at 1:00 p.m.  Burial will follow at the Highland Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Smithton Masonic Lodge #1, Highland, Kansas, Highland Community College or Highland United Methodist Presbyterian Church, sent in care of Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, PO Box 33, Highland 66035, who is assisting the family with local arrangements  Online condolences may be expressed at www.chapeloaksfuneralhome.com or  www.gormanscharpf.com.