Kenneth "Hank" Bowen

Kenneth “Hank” Bowen, 83, of Wabaunsee, passed away February 15, 2007 at his home. He was born on February 4, 1924, on a farm in Brown County, Ohio. Hank was the son of Floyd and Anabel (Bare) Bowen. He was the fourth born of eight children in the Bowen family. Hank graduated from Mount Orab High School in Ohio in 1942. He joined and served with the Merchant Marines from 1942 to 1944. He then enlisted in the United States Army and was a World War II Veteran. Hank was honorably discharged for the Army’s 10th Infantry Division as S/SGT in 1949, while serving at Fort Riley. He was also honorably discharged from the Active Army Reserves after serving from 1955-1961. In 1949, Hank worked briefly for the County of Wabaunsee in the P.M.A. Department, involved with soil conservation and then went to work for the Kansas Department of Transportation until his retirement in 1987. Hank was involved in the Wabaunsee community and coached area youth in basketball and softball. His hobbies included cartooning and golf. Hank married Mildred Hasenbank of Alma, Kansas on November 13, 1948. She survives along with their children Virginia Fuchs, of Winfield, KS, Leroy Bowen of Leon, KS, and Ed Bowen of Council Grove, KS, 13 grandchildren, and twenty five great grandchildren. He is also survived by his sisters, Grace Hill of Portsmouth VA, Madge Humes of Tampa, FL, Helen Mayard of Hammersville, OH, and Margene Miranda of Batavia, OH. In addition to his parents, Hank was preceded in death by a brother Edwin Bowen, two sisters, Mary Evans and Ruth Fawley, an infant son Victor, and a great grandson, Tommy Brown. A graveside funeral service will be Saturday February 24th at 11:00 a.m., at Wabaunsee Cemetery. A visitation will be Friday evening from 7-8:30 p.m. at Stewart Funeral Home in Wamego. A memorial has been set up in Hank’s name for the Heart of America Hospice and contributions may be sent directly to 3715 SW 29th St. Topeka, KS 66614, or left in care of the funeral home P.O. Box 48, Wamego, KS 66547.