Lester Bowen Obituary

June 1, 1949- March 4, 2024

DUFFIELD, VA - Lester Hagon Bowen,74, of Duffield, VA., passed away at his residence surrounded by his wife and children on Monday, March 4, 2024, after a courageous battle with cancer and black lung.

Lester was born on June 1st, 1949, in Duffield, VA., to the late Rev. Howard and Venus Bowen. Lester was a retired coal miner of 27 years. He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting and spending time at his cabin. Lester was a devoted Christian who loved the Lord, and he enjoyed his fellowship and singing at Bowen's Chapel Church and local revivals. He played guitar with his brothers from a younger age and played the mandolin in his later years. He was a beautiful singer. Lester loved spending time with his grandchildren, working in the yard, and his garden. Lester enjoyed going to eat with his wife and children. His favorite restaurant was Texas Roadhouse, and he loved any Little Debbie cakes.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three infant siblings, his father and mother-in-law, J.P., and Louise Qualls.

Survivors include his loving and devoted wife of 46 years, Katherine Bowen. Daughters: Samantha and (Garry) Morelock, Mt. Carmel, TN; Leslie and (Nick) Hood, Duffield, VA; Laura Beth and (Sidney) Lane, Nickelsville VA; Son, Anthony Bowen, Kingsport, TN. Special daughter, Marsha Miller of Kingsport, TN. Grandchildren, Preston Bowen, Kenzie and Drue Hood, Annistyn Bowen, and Hagen Lane. Brothers, William and (Bernice) Bowen, Gate City, VA., R.C. and (Judy) Bowen, Duffield, VA. Sisters, Kyoline and the late (Johnny) Tippett, Duffield, VA., Charlotte and (Robert) Roach, Rogersville, Alabama. Lester also had many nieces and nephews who he loved dearly. Lester had several lifelong friends who he loved; Kelly Miller, Donald Bowen, Jay Miller, Carlos Miller, Nancy Rhoton, and Helen Bowen.

The family will receive friends from 5-7 p.m., Wednesday, March 6, 2024, at the Gate City Funeral Home. Services will be conducted at 7:00p.m., in the Gene Falin Memorial Chapel with Rev. Jackie Frazier, Robbie Dockery, and Joe Townsend officiating. Durham's Chapel Quartet, Rev. Harold Morelock, and Mike Bowen will provide the music.

Graveside services will be conducted at 11:00a.m., Thursday, March 7, 2024, at the Bowen Cemetery, Duffield, VA. Family and friends are asked to meet at the cemetery at 10:45a.m., for the graveside service.

Anthony Bowen, Preston Bowen, Nick Hood, Drue Hood, Sidney Lane, and Garry Morelock will serve as pallbearers. Kelly Miller, Jay Miller, Carlos Miller, Donald Bowen, Earl Hass, Eddie Jennings, Bruce Brewer, and Gary Bowen will serve as honorary pallbearers.

Special thanks to Mountain Region Home Health in Duffield, Ballad Pulmonary and Palliative Care, and Caris Hospice of Big Stone Gap. A very special thank you to several of his nurses and staff-Laura Gilliam, Courtney Stidham, Chelsea, Bri, and Hannah for their kindness and support during this difficult time.

An online guest register is available for the Bowen family at www.gatecityfunerals.com.

Gate City Funeral Home is honored to be serving the family of Lester Bowen.