Jay Richard Bowen

He was born July 28, 1936. in Sherman, N.Y., the son of the late Luther and Helen (Riewaldt) Bowen.

Jay was a well respected “tree surgeon” throughout Western New York and Pennsylvania, working with various companies for over 50 years. Jay possessed a gift for helping others in need. His love of God, nature, and people encouraged him to mow neighbors lawns, repair friend’s lawn mowers, trim trees and water flowers at cemeteries, and volunteer at the North East Food Pantry.

Jay was known as a kind gracious person who would help anyone in need. He was an active member of the Praise Cathedral Church in North East and will be sadly missed by anyone who had the privilege of knowing him.

He was preceded in death by his parents and sisters: Carol Neckers, Hope Glover and Joy Eastman. Jay is survived by his wife of 61 years, Marianette (Sweet) Bowen, whom he married Aug. 17, 1957; son, John Bowen of North East; daughters: Rhonda Bowen of Ft. Walton Beach, Fla., and Connie Meleen (Mark) of Mayville; sisters: Ruth Rutledge (Bill) of North East; brother, Melvin Bowen (Carol) of Nebraska; grandson, Shawn Bowen; granddaughter, Macy Meleen; great-grandsons: Alex and Lucas Bowen; step-grand- daughters: Kristen, Linda, and Michele; and several nieces, nephews and step-great-grandchildren.

Friends are invited to call at the Praise Cathedral Church of God, 5335 Route 89, North East, on Saturday, Sept, 15, at 10 a.m. until time of a memorial service at 11 a.m. Officiating the service is Pastor Michael Grove. Private interment will be held at Mina Cemetery at a future date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Praise Cathedral Church of God or the Stanley Hose Co. 1, 122 Park St., Sherman, NY 14781, or the Findley Lake Volunteer Fire Department, 10372, Findley Lake, NY 14736.

Please send condolences to elkinfh.com.