Willard E. Bowen, life long Lamont area farmer, passed away Friday, January 14, 2011 at his home in St. John. He was 92. A private family graveside will be at the St. John Cemetery followed by a Memorial Service, Friday, January 21st at 11:00 am at the St. John Methodist Church. Pastor Bob Ingalls will officiate. Willard was born September 25, 1918 at the family ranch along Rock Creek between Revere and Ewan. His parents were Charles and Juanita (Calfee) Bowen. He grew up on the ranch and attended country schools before graduating from Lamont High School in 1938. Following the death of his father, Willard became responsible for much of the farming and ranching from the age of 17. He met Charlotte Pruett in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho at a fourth of July celebration in 1950. They married December 5, 1953 in her hometown of Bluefield, West Virginia. Following their marriage they lived and farmed near Revere for all of their lives until Willard retired in 1994. They raised wheat, cattle and pigs. Willard was a member of the Lamont Grain Growers and the Lamont Grange #889. In his youth, Willard loved to play basketball and later in life he enjoyed following his grandchildren in their sporting activities. They moved into St. John two years ago. Willard is survived by his wife of 57 years, Charlotte, at their St. John home; 3 children, Bill Bowen, Lamont, Barbara Ann Aspevig and her husband Jay of Cut Bank, MT. and Bob Bowen and his wife Donna of St. John; 7 grandchildren, Katrina Emrich, Great Falls, MT., Kevin, Brenda and Brian Aspevig all of Cut Bank, MT., Jeff Bowen, Horseheads, New York, Kurt Bowen, Pullman, WA. and Steven Bowen of Spokane, WA; and his sister, Jean Schutte of Spokane Valley, WA. as well as several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Thelma Hopkins. The family suggests memorials be made to the St. John/Endicott Schools Foundation or to a charity of donor's choice. On-line guest book is at www.bruningfuneralhome.com
Bruning Funeral Home, Colfax, is caring for the family.