JERRY MAX BOWEN
Jerry Max Bowen, better known as Oscar or “Big O”, was born at the home in Benton, Iowa on August 28, 1948 to James and Ruby (Smith) Bowen.
After graduating from Mount Ayr High School, Oscar lived and worked in Cedar Rapids and Fort Madison, Iowa. He returned to Mount Ayr and operated the Phillips 66 for several years. Oscar married Donna Powell and they have a son, Clint. They later divorced. Oscar then went to work for Bud Beymer at Diagonal Oil Company. Oscar would return to Mount Ayr as owner/operator of the Office Bar & Grill for the next several years. He married Verlene Knapp and they later divorced. Oscar eventually moved to Osage Beach, Missouri and worked at the Wal-Mart auto dept. A heart attack ended his ability to work and he moved back to his hometown of Benton. After returning to Benton, Beverly Rutherford came into his life and became his companion and dear friend.
In his younger years, Oscar played fast-pitch softball and their team made it to the state competition level. Oscar enjoyed fishing and “lake-time”, hunting, and playing cards with family and friends. He loved sports and always had a game of some-sort on the TV. Oscar enjoyed country western music and old western movies. He was a friend to all and didn’t know a stranger.
Oscar passed away August 19, 2014. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother James, Jr (Bobby); sisters Annie Haley, Katie Butler, Jean Herrington, and Belle Graham.
Those left to cherish his memory include his son Clint Bowen & wife Courtney and three grandchildren Colton and twins Tyler and Tinsley, all of Winterset, Iowa; his significant other, Beverly Rutherford of the home; sisters Sally Pratte of St. Joseph, Missouri, Alice Johnston of Fort Madison, Iowa, Mildred Routh of Clearfield, Iowa, and Sandy Hulett of Osage Beach, Missouri; brothers Joe Bowen & wife Alice of Fort Madison, Iowa and Larry Bowen & wife Sharon of Benton, Iowa; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of good friends.
Services were held Saturday, August 23, 2014 at the Watson-Armstrong Funeral Home in Mount Ayr with Pastor Bill Armstrong officiating.
Active casket bearers were Judd Bowen, Eric Bowen, Austin Bowen, Tyler Bowen, Frankie Hulett and Ted Johnston.
Honorary casket bearers include Tom Fletcher, Ed Sobotka, Ted Smith, Brian Mobley, Phil Yoder, Brent Ricker, Merle Comer, David Groves, Glee Mobley, Ronnie Mobley, Mark Larsen, Jerry Brown, Marvin McNutt, Steve McNutt, Ruby Wheeler, Jim Brand, Greg Larson, Jeff Wood, Dan Lyddon, Jim Hoffman, Terry Barnes, Doug Virden and Lynn Rinehart.
Burial was in the Benton cemetery. A memorial fund has been established in his name to be decided later.
