Billy A. Bowen

I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures... 1 Corinthians 15:3-4

Billy Allan Bowen Sr., 75, was welcomed into perfect fellowship with his redeemer on November 4, 2025 at the Sheyenne Care Center in Valley City, ND. Bill was born in Williston, ND on December 27, 1949 to Charles and Inis Bowen of Trenton.

In 1957 the Garrison Diversion Project afforded the family an opportunity to move from their farm in the Trenton bottoms to a larger farm at Marion, ND. Here, Bill lived the privileged life of an only boy among four sisters; Meaning, he got a bedroom all to himself, and (according to him) more than his fair share of the chores. The addition of a younger brother provided a welcome relief to this dubious entitlement.

He graduated from Marion High School in 1967, and joined the US Navy serving as a machinist mate on the USS Trout SS-566. He and his wife Sharon also raised a family. Between 1971 and 1976, every earnest effort to produce just one girl, turned into yet another boy. Their eventual submission to this happy providence left them content to have four boys.

Bill was born to farm life, but worked at a variety of occupations. He was a mechanic on a submarine, house painter, grain elevator manager, grocery store owner, derrick hand on an oil rig, a life insurance salesman, and an eight year veteran of the ND National Guard. At 35 years old he became a full time student, and graduated with degrees in art and mathematics. But above all, he was a Carpenter. This is what he always returned to. Whatever else he was doing, he was always planning, designing, remodeling - Building. But he was more artist than tradesman, and his projects were sometimes innovative, even adventurous. His creator made him to create. He was good at it, and he loved it.

His creator also made him a father. He was good at that too, and he loved it. His genius, eccentricities, infectious enthusiasm, and intrepid (sometimes reckless) curiosity made him the kind of father that Huck Finn wished for. It made him the kind of father that his own four boys wished for...and got! He was also a grandfather, and an uncle. The kind that all kids want; Who taught them to drive a car, play chess, make a kite, or build ...anything.; and would occasionally lead them outside the well ordered decencies of parental approval.

He is survived by his four sons: Bill Jr. (Laurie), Jason (Renee), Joshua, Matthew (Bonnie);12 Grandchildren and 12 Great Grandchildren; his sisters Marilyn (Rick) LeBahn, Beverly (Mike) Beethe, Barbara (David) Brown; and brother Charles (Sheri) Bowen Jr.

He is preceded in death by his parents: The great Charles and Inis Bowen; His sister Colleen (Cole) Conley; His Brother-in-law Rick LeBahn; his wife of 28 years Sharon Speakermier.

A special thank you to the staff at the Sheyenne Care Center for their loving care during his final years.

Funeral Service - 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, November 12, 2025 at Grace Methodist Church, Marion, ND, with Pastor Clarence Mittleider officiating.

Prayer Service – 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, November 11, 2025 at the church.

Visitation – One hour before each service at the church.

Burial – Lakeview Cemetery, Marion, ND.