Gerald L. Bowen
July 17, 1938 — July 13, 2017
Gerald L. (Jerry) Bowen, 78, of Meadville, died Thursday, July 13, 2017 at UPMC Hamot in Erie.
He was born July 17, 1938 in Franklin, a son of Leslie and Loretta Chappell Bowen.
Gerald attended Franklin High School and received his diploma from The Huntington Park Adult School in Los Angeles, CA. He was enrolled in the Fulton Junior College in Los Angeles. He served for four years in the U.S. Navy. He married Clara Austin October 26, 1959 and they lived in the San Diego and Los Angeles areas where he was stationed in the Navy and later worked for Mayfair Markets. They moved back to Franklin in the late 1960s where he worked for Joy Manufacturing Company from 1968 to 1977. He and Clara subsequently owned and operated several restaurants in the Clarion and Erie areas from 1977 until retirement in 1995.
Survivors, in addition to his loving wife Clara of almost 58 years, include two sons, Timothy E. Bowen and David L. Bowen; two granddaughters; three great-grandchildren; two brothers, Raymond Bowen and his wife Muriel of Franklin and Edward Bowen and his wife Margaret of Florida; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Luella Ritchey.
Private services will be held with interment in Roselawn Memorial Gardens.
Memorials may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.
The arrangements have been entrusted to the ROBERT W. WAID FUNERAL HOME, 581 CHESTNUT ST., MEADVILLE where memories and condolences may be shared at www.waidfuneralhome.net.