Calvin A. Bowen

Calvin was born Sept 29, 1925, in Westfield, N.Y., the son of the late Clement A. and Millie (Welden) Bowen.

Calvin was a veteran of the U.S. Army Air Corps and the U.S. Air Force having served as a staff sergeant with the 431st Fighter Squadron during World World II.

A Westfield/Ripley area resident all his life, Calvin was a dairy farmer for over 57 years retiring in 2007. He greatly enjoyed farming, working in his yard and on his land. Calvin loved the outdoors, nature and agriculture. He and his wife, Bessie tended to a very large vegetable garden and enjoyed reading the Bible with each other, and watching TV, especially MASH. Most recently Calvin had an interest in locating and reconnecting with old friends and classmates.

He had been president/manager of Chautauqua Patrons Insurance Company for 16 years and was director/agent for 32 years, retiring in 1987.

He was a member and officer of the former Volusia Grange and had been a member of the Ripley Grange. Calvin donated countless hours as a board member and caretaker of the Volusia Cemetery.

Survivors include his wife of 70 years, Bessie (Waite) Bowen, whom he married Jan. 16, 1949; and his three sons: Dennis Bowen of Westfield, N.Y., David Bowen of Nebraska and Douglas Bowen and spouse, Darlene Breads of Ripley, N.Y. Calvin was the proud grandfather of Rebecca Meeder of Ripley, N.Y., Amanda Foster of Florida, Matthew Bowen of Utah and Chelsey Bowen, of Ripley, N.Y. He also has five great-grandchildren. Calvin is further survived by two of his brothers: Dale Bowen Sr. of Westfield and Hubert Bowen of Lawrenceville, Ga.; as well as by his two sisters: Jeanette Davis of Conneaut Lake, Pa., and Elna Meleen of Westfield, N.Y. Many nieces, nephews and in-laws also survive.

In addition to his parents, Calvin was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Jessica Bowen and by 2 of his brothers, John and Robert Bowen.

Friends may call from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM on Tuesday, October 22, 2019 at the MASON Funeral Home, 37 Clinton Street in Westfield, NY, and are invited to attend the Funeral Services on Wednesday, October 23, 2019 at 11:00 AM at the First United Methodist Church of Westfield with Rev. John R. Bowen, his nephew, officiating. Please bring a dish to pass if you wish to stay for a meal after the Funeral Service. Private burial will be in Volusia Cemetery.

Calvin’s family encourages memorial contributions be made to the Volusia Cemetery Assoc., c/o Mark Winslow, 8451 Pigeon Rd., Ripley, NY 14775.

Log on to www.masonfuneral.com to send the Bowen family a message of sympathy, to light a Memorial Candle or for further information.