| Graduation Year | Class of 1958 |
| Date of Birth | Mar 20, 1940 |
| Date of Passing | Jun 14, 2023 |
| About | Obituary Paul Philip Bowen March 20,1940 to June 142023 Paul passed away peacefully on June 14, 2023, with his children by his side. Paul was born to Pearl Ivan Bowen and Maxine Lorine (Mann) Bowen in Salmon. Paul was the second child to this union. The Bowen family lived in an old ranch house on Lovers Lane, where Paul milked a cow or two and enjoyed riding horses. There are many stories of the siblings playing pranks on each other, getting them in trouble. The Bowen boys, in their teenage days, were known for riding Harleys. Paul worked with his dad at the John Deere dealership, learning how to fix and put the equipment together. After graduating from Salmon High School in 1958, he worked for the local sawmill until he enlisted in the Navy in 1960. Paul (Machinist Mate 3rd class) enjoyed his time serving on the USS Mansfield DD-728. While traveling on USS Mansfield he was stationed in Yokosuka, Japan and Hong Kong, China. Enlisting in the Navy was one thing he never regretted. He was excited that a kid from Salmon could travel to foreign places and live his dreams. Paul returned to Salmon in 1963 and went back to work at the sawmill. He then met Wanda Jean Smith and they married in April 1965. Paul and Wanda had two children, Sheila Kay and Paul Jr. They later divorced but remained good friends Paul worked for the sawmill operating in several different positions, running the de-barker, green chain, plainer and sharpening saws until they closed. Paul worked for QB Corporation, then later retired. After retiring Paul worked several summers for The River Rats, shuttling cars up and down the river. He was always excited to see what kind of car he would be driving that day. He told many stories of the good and bad cars available for an exciting trip. Paul belonged to Salmon Search & Rescue, Eagle Lodge No. 2316 and was a lifetime member of the VFW, where he served as Commander in 1978-1980. Paul always enjoyed being around family. He loved picnics, picking berries, rock hunting, camping, riding motorcycles, ice skating, fishing and hunting. Paul spent lots of time teaching Sheila and Paul Jr. his favorite hobbies. Paul and Paul Jr. spent many weekends hiking to lakes, special camping spots and exploring the mountains. When camping he always made each kid a whistle using a green willow limb. When he finally retired, he spent many hours in his workshop creating his latest bright idea, everyday you could find him walking around town. Paul enjoyed stopping at his favorite watering holes visiting with friends. Paul was preceded in death by his parents Pearl and Maxine; sister Janet Bowen Pugh; brothers Terry, Mike and Darril. Paul is survived by his daughter Sheila Bowen Hodges of Salmon; son Paul (Melissa) Bowen Jr. of Elko, Nevada; granddaughter Kellsie (John) Peterson; grandsons Christopher, Bryce, Aiden and Ryker; Great-grandson Caleb Greene and great-granddaughter Ila Peterson. The one and only love of his life and friend Wanda; and siblings Robert Bowen, Jess Bowen, Anita Bowen, Marlene (Robert) Bowen-Grissett, Ethel Stricklan, Frank Bowen and Ronnie Bowen along with numerous nieces and nephews. A celebration of life is July 2, 2023 at 1 p.m. at the Grissett’s residence on South Saint Charles Street |
| Events | Paul Phillip Bowen Birth: Wednesday, March 20, 1940 Salmon, Lemhi County, Idaho Death: Wednesday, June 14, 2023 Salmon, Lemhi County, Idaho Age: 83 yrs • 2 mo Burial: Unknown Married: Wanda Jean Smith • m: Friday, April 9, 1965 • Salmon, Lemhi County, Idaho (Paul 25 • Wanda 16) |
