Buster Jerome "Jerry" Bowen

Buster Jerome "Jerry" Bowen was born on August 16, 1920, to Velie Vina and James Daniel Bowen. The second oldest of eight children, including sisters Ellen, Doris Ann, Lucille and Esther and brothers John, Joe and Gene. Jerry went home to be with the Lord on the evening of July 12, 2010.

Jerry proudly served his country for six years, as a boatswain's mate, earning medals for his service in the Philipines, Guadalcanal-Tulagai Landings, Cape Esperance, the Aleutian Islands, in the Truk, Satawari and Ponape Raids. Operations in the Marianas, the Western Caroline Islands, Leyte, Luzon, Iwo Jima and Okinawa.

After his time in the Navy, Jerry met and married Patricia Ruth Hendrickson in 1945 and their union produced a daughter, Patricia Kay, who gave them two wonderful grandchildren, Captain Donald Ray Mayo and Mary Darlena Mayo Larsen. Jerry lost his wife Patricia at the early age of 40 from a rheumatic heart.

Jerry worked as a steelworker and welder for 33 years at U.S. Steel, before retiring. In Aug. 1973, he married Lena Kate Facello, and became "Dad" to Lena's three children, Deborah, James and Karen. The family then grew in leaps and bounds. Deborah had Renee, Jerry, Joseph, Robert, Tracy, Caroline and Martin. James had Angelina, Joseph, and twins, Lena and Gina. Karen had one daughter, Rena Maria. All of these grandchildren produced 26 great-grandchildren and sixgreat-great grandchildren.

Lena went home to the Lord on April 21, 2008.

Jerry and Lena were faithful members of the First Baptist Church in Lake Isabella where he served on the deacon board for 10 years. He was also active with the Boy Scouts, loved to fish and work with his hands, and helping all who needed him. He touched many lives in his 89 years and will be sorely missed. We are comforted in our knowledge that he now dwells with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

A celebration of his life was held on Friday, July 16, at First Baptist Church of Lake Isabella. Viewing was held on Thursday, July 15, at Sierra Valley Mortuary.