Glenn Wm. "Bill" Bowen II

Live simply – Laugh often – Love deeply…. this script is written above the front door of our home and describes very accurately the core of my husband, Glenn W. “Bill” Bowen II. Bill passed peacefully into heaven Thursday, October 21, 2021. Large in size, large in humor, large in generosity and large in tender love…Bill was loved by his family from the day he was born, November 22, 1951, in Quincy IL. That family love includes his parents (the late) Glenn and Luella Bowen, brothers Terry Bowen (Beth), Albany IL and Mitch Bowen (Vicki), Overland Park KS; nieces, Tara Read (Dave), Kara Brownrigg (Tanner); and nephews, Tony Bowen (Jen) and Bradley Bowen (Elise); as well as eight great-nieces and great-nephews. Bill was loved by my family the first time they met, nearly 50 years ago. Those loves include (the late) John and Sarah Jones, Cathy Jones (late, Ron), nephew Matt Jones (Kim) and their daughters Cameron and Kara all of Huntsville AL; one deceased niece, Alison Breaux (Tommy); Sandy Jones Brooks (Don) Elgin SC, and nephew Jonathan Brooks (Mary) of North Falmouth MA. Bill was blessed by the love of many friends, who became family…especially (the late) Syl and Betty Herman and their daughters, Stephanie Schmitz and Angela Herman. And he was adored by our two exchange students, Francesco Zavettieri of Domodossola, Italy and Justus Wurst of Bersenbruck, Germany, who kept him inspired and young at heart. He was the adopted “Uncle Bill” to many, including our traveling baseball boys, Joe Leiker, Dan Wilson, Kevin, Matt, and Adam Weaver and Michael Dupigney Leigh. And he was cherished by his Holy Name “tracksters,” as well as our goddaughters, Amber (McKinley) Schulz and Jessica (McKinley) Rinkes. And me, his wife, Barb…my rock, who teased me to the ‘nth degree, but made me feel safe in every storm, especially this one. Bill was my shining star these 46 years and now the brightest for me in heaven. He worked hard and played hard and I was lucky enough to enjoy the ride alongside. Whether spending time on the Mississippi River, cheering on his beloved Cubbies and KC Chiefs, riding his Harley, playing with and hugging his adoring pups, skiing in Keystone, walking the beaches in Florida, or just working on a good physical challenge, he made it all fun! Bill’s academic background included a BA in Science, from Millikin University, Decatur IL and an MS in Chemistry from Xavier University, Cincinnati OH. He was employed by the BNSF Railway 35 years, retiring in 2011. The service honoring Bill’s life will be Friday, November 19 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Topeka KS. Per his wishes, Bill has been cremated and his ashes will be scattered on his beloved Mississippi River. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Bill’s memory are suggested to St. Joseph Catholic Church, Lowman United Methodist Church or Helping Hands Human Society and sent in care of Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Road, Topeka KS 66614. Condolences may be sent online to www.kevinbrennanfamily.com.

Glenn Wm. "Bill" Bowen II

November 22, 1951 - October 21, 2021