Columbus, OH — Alan Ray Bowen, 77, of Mt. Sterling, Ill., died Nov. 1, 2023, at his residence.

He was born Aug. 15, 1946, in Quincy, Ill., the son of Harvey Junior and Darlene Olatha Clayton Bowen.

He married Marlis Wiekum in 1968. He then married Pamela “Susie” Pulse on Jan. 29, 1982, and she preceded him in death on Dec. 22, 1991. He then married Jacalyn Hyer Brink on Feb. 13, 1993, and she survives.

Mr. Bowen owned and operated Bowen Stables at the Brown County Fairgrounds for over 55 years, where he was involved in breeding, training and racing Standardbreds. Over many years he raced at numerous county fairs, the pari-mutuel tracks in Chicago, Quad City Downs, Fairmount Park and Cahokia Downs.

He graduated from Brown County High School with the class of 1964. He was a Viet Nam veteran who proudly served his country in the United States Army and was also a member of the Mt. Sterling American Legion Post #374.

Mr. Bowen was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Mt. Sterling and also belonged to numerous harness racing associations including the USTA, IHHA, and MWIRA.

He was also known as an excellent cook who loved sharing that talent with his many friends and family.

Mr. Bowen always enjoyed serving as a mentor for several young men in the community over the years and he was known as a friend to many, who will be truly missed by all.

He is survived by his wife, Jackie Bowen; children, Carol Jean (Chad) Harris, Pamela Jean “P.J.” (Tammie Johnson), Sarah Ann (Chris) Moore, Douglas Alan (Mandy) and David Michael Brink; brother, Larry (Susan); grandchildren, Kayla, Caleb, Danielle, Taylor, Avery, Harrison, Theo and Charles Butch; mother-in-law, Marjorie Hyer; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; and son, Richard “Butch.”

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday (Nov. 5) in the Hendricker Funeral Home in Mt. Sterling with Ron Cox and Dale Gadberry officiating. Burial will follow in the Mt. Sterling City Cemetery. A military service will be conducted at the graveside by the Illinois National Guard Funeral Honors Detail. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. until the time of services on Sunday at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to Brown County Against Cancer.