Alan Bowen

Alan Ray Bowen, age 77, of Mt. Sterling, Illinois passed away at 8:25 p.m. Wednesday, November 1, 2023 at his residence. 

He was born on August 15, 1946 in Quincy, Illinois the son of Harvey Junior and Darlene Olatha Clayton Bowen.

Alan married Marlis Wiekum in 1968. He then married Pamela “Susie” Pulse on January 29, 1982 and she preceded him in death on December 22, 1991. Alan then married Jacalyn Hyer Brink on February 13, 1993 and she survives.

Mr. Bowen owned and operated Bowen Stables at the Brown County Fairgrounds for over 55 years, where he was involved in breeding, training and racing standardbred racehorses. Over the many years Alan raced at numerous county fairs, the pari mutuel tracks in Chicago, the Quad City Downs, Fairmont Park and Cahokia Downs.  He graduated from Brown County High School with the class of 1964.  Alan was a VietNam Veteran who proudly served his country in the United States Army and was also a member of the Mt. Sterling American Legion Post #374.

Mr. Bowen was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Mt. Sterling and also belonged to numerous Harness Racing associations including USTA, IHHA, and MWIRA.   He was also known as an excellent cook who loved sharing that talent with his many friends and family.  

Alan always enjoyed serving as a mentor for several young men in the community over the years and he was known as a friend to many, who will be truly missed by all.

Survivors include his wife Jackie Bowen of Mt. Sterling.  5 children Carol Jean Harris (Chad) of Springfield, Illinois, Pamela Jean “P.J.” Bowen (Tammie Johnson) of Mt. Sterling, Illinois, Sarah Ann Moore (Chris) of Rushville, Illinois, Douglas Alan Bowen (Mandy) of Mt. Sterling, Illinois and David Michael Brink of Mt. Sterling, Illinois.  1 brother Larry Bowen (Susan) of Mt. Sterling, Illinois.  8 grandchildren Kayla, Caleb, Danielle, Taylor, Avery, Harrison, Theo and Charles Butch.  His mother-in-law Marjorie Hyer of Quincy, Illinois also survives along with several nieces and nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his parents and 1 son Richard “Butch” Bowen. 

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, November 5, 2023 in the Hendricker Funeral Home in Mt. Sterling with Ron Cox and Dale Gadberry officiating. 

Burial will follow in the Mt. Sterling City Cemetery.  A military service will be conducted at the graveside by the Illinois National Guard Funeral Honors Detail. 

Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. until the time of services on Sunday at the funeral home.   

Memorials are suggested to Brown County Against Cancer. 

Condolences for the family may be left on line at hendrickerfuneralhome.com. 

The Hendricker Funeral Home in Mt. Sterling is assisting the family with the arrangements. 

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