Burl "Dean" Bowen's Obituary
Burl “Dean” Bowen, 80, of Vandalia, IL, passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 17, 2025 at SBL Fayette County Hospital Long Term Care.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 AM, Friday, August 22, 2025, at Mother of Dolors Catholic Church, Vandalia with Rev. Fr. Seth Brown officiating. Interment will follow in Fairlawn Cemetery, Vandalia. Visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00 PM, Thursday, August 21, 2025, at Hohlt & File Funeral Home, Vandalia. In lieu of flowers and gifts, memorials may be made to Catholic Charities or Nourishing Greatness. Online condolences can be expressed at www.hohltandfilefh.com
Burl Dean Bowen was born on April 25, 1945, at home in the Community of Fairman, near Sandoval, IL, he was the fourth of nine children born to Glenn and Genevieve (Bryant) Bowen. After high school, Dean served in the United States Army during Vietnam. He married Cheryl Norine Gordon on June 28, 1968. Together, they celebrated 54 wonderful years of marriage before her passing on December 26, 2022.
Dean was the proud owner and operator of Bowen Cabinet and Appliance for over two decades. He began his career in Springfield at Dawson’s Building Materials & Home Furnishings, where he discovered his passion for kitchen design. Dean was also involved with many other businesses; he owned Bowen Cabinet & Appliances, Vandalia Real Estate, invested in the first Vandalia Verizon location, and was a General Contractor building several homes in Vandalia. Great customer service was priority to Dean and his secret to successful businesses.
Dean was an active member of the Vandalia Volunteer Fire Department, for over 20+ years where he formed many lifelong friendships. Despite his busy schedule, he found joy in golfing, listening to music and spending time with family and friends. Dean was a devoted father, husband, and grandfather, cherishing every moment spent with his family, especially during Saturday drives with his daughter, Tracy. He was also a faithful member of Mother of Dolors Catholic Church and a member of the Knights of Columbus.
Mr. Bowen is survived by his daughter, Sandra Jane Michel of Vandalia; granddaughter, Amy Gaffney with Neil Krutsinger of Vandalia; brother, Leon Bowen and wife Patricia of Vandalia; sisters, Carole Guetersloh of Carlyle; Barbara Snyder of Bloomington, Sharon and husband Ron Thomason of Vandalia, Susan and husband Steve Murfin of Vernon; sister-in-law, Ann Bowen of Keyesport; numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; son, Jeffrey Gordon Bowen; daughter, Tracy Lynn Bowen; brothers, Gerald Ray Bowen, Robert “Bob” Bowen, Jimmie “Jim” Bowen; and in-laws John and Trudy Gordon.
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