Marvin Jerry Bowen

Marvin Jerry Bowen, 53, transcended the cares of this world on Aug. 1. He was born in Clarksburg, WV, but grew up in Chester, VA. Jerry enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1979 taking his basic training at Fort Sill, OK. His eight years of active duty as a Fire Support Specialist included tours at Fort Ord, CA, Fort Knox, KY, and Ray Barracks, Freidberg, West Germany. He rose to the rank of Sergeant and earned several awards and commendations, including the Army Achievement Medal 2nd Oak Leaf Cluster, Overseas Service Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, and Army Good Conduct Medal (2nd Award).

After his discharge in 1987, Jerry began a new career as customer service representative in the Richmond Branch of Cross Company and was promoted to Operations Manager in less than one year. In 1991, he was became a Regional Operations Manager responsible for four fluid power branches in the company’s Northern region. Jerry received the company’s prestigious Nathan Gilbert Award in 2000 for his dedication to customer service, teamwork and outstanding performance. In 2001, he joined New York Life as an agent in the Richmond General Office and considered this work a mission field in which he could minister to widows and orphans. His exceptional service to his clients made Jerry a top performer and earned him recognition as an Executive Council agent, Annuity Champion, Long-Term Care (LTC) Leader, and member of the LTC Circle of Champions. Jerry earned the Certified in Long-Term Care (CLTC) and Life Underwriter Training Council Fellow (CLUTC) designations before he retired on disability in 2011. He will be best remembered for his lively sense of humor, and his commitment to excellence in everything he ventured to do in life.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara Bowen; his brother, Larry Bowen; his children, Matthew Bowen, Jennifer Lackey and husband Michael, and Gregory Bowen; and two grandchildren, William (Connor) Bryant and Carson Lackey.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Aug. 12 at Winn’s Baptist Church, 12320 Winn's Church Road, Glen Allen, VA, 23059. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Wounded Warriors.

"My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand." John 10:27-29