John L. Bowen

John L. Bowen passed away on August 6, 2015 in Sarasota, Florida. John was born on January 29, 1945 in Akron, Ohio to Hugh and Alice Bowen. He was raised in Kent, Ohio and graduated in 1963 from Theodore Roosevelt High School where he was a member of the football team and Hi-Y. John earned a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting in 1967 from Kent State University and throughout high school and college John worked with his father in the family business, Quick Service Welding Co. John excelled early in his career and advanced quickly through various positions in the accounting departments at International Harvester, Mohawk Rubber Company, Kent State University, and Fazio Supermarkets. During this time he also earned certification as an Ohio Certified Public Accountant, passing the examination on the first try. In 1980 John accepted a position at Rotek, Inc. in Aurora, Ohio where he became company Treasurer. In 1995, John and his wife, Lynne, decided to relocate to Sarasota, Florida where John particularly enjoyed positions testing accounting software systems for Arthur Anderson and as Controller for Sentient Systems. He subsequently accepted Controller positions at McGiffin Construction Company at Venice Golf and Country Club and Neal Communities on Lakewood Ranch from which he retired in 2012 after 12 years of service. John was a member of the Ohio Society of Certified Public Accountants, and more recently he was a certified Community Association Manager and served on the Board of Directors of Insight Counseling in Bradenton, Florida.

John was an accomplished, hard-working, reliable, dedicated, ethical professional admired and respected by his peers and colleagues. His coworkers often remarked that his cheerful personality, and easy-going, kind disposition made him a pleasure to work with. His generosity of spirit, enthusiastic willingness to share his time and knowledge, and quick offers to help anyone were appreciated and praised by everyone he touched.

John enjoyed following auto racing and his beloved Cleveland Browns who he never gave up hope of seeing in a Super Bowl. He also enjoyed researching family ancestry and especially spending time with his best canine friend, Annie.

Most of all, John was a very proud father and grandfather who adored his family. He was a rock for his family who depended upon him for his quiet strength, support, and wise advice and guidance. He was dedicated to his wife, children, and grandchildren and supported them in all their endeavors and activities without hesitation. He was always there for them and never missed a ball game, dance recital, marching band show or 4H horse show. He really got a kick out of coaching softball, hauling horses and driving the band equipment truck.

John was an honorable, compassionate, caring man who lived his entire life with utmost integrity. He always led by quiet example and his family and friends were blessed and privileged for the opportunity to love him and be loved by him. He will be sorely missed by his wife and life partner of 46 years, Lynne, daughter Sherry Jensen and her husband, Steve, of Lakewood, Colorado, daughter, Jody Hicks and her husband Paul, of Medina, Ohio, and five grandchildren; Madeline, Calvin, Amelia, Isaac, and Sabrina.

Funeral services will be held 12:00 PM Thursday, August 13th at Bissler & Sons Funeral Home with Rev. Douglas Denton officiating. The family will receive friends from 10AM until Noon. Burial will be held at Standing Rock Cemetery. Contributions in his honor and memory may be made to Vintage Paws Sanctuary, 7950 St. Rt. 72, Sarasota, FL 34241.