Gary Dee Bowden

(Gerard) Gary Dee Bowden, 70, of Apex, NC passed away Tuesday July 8, 2014 surrounded by his family. Gary was the beloved husband of Susanne (Lukas) Bowden, Apex, NC; loving father of Geri Dee (Bowden) McGrath Cary, NC, Dr. Gary Dee Bowden Butler PA, and John Bowden Apex, NC; grandfather of 8 and great grandfather of 1.

Gary was born in Coaldale, PA the son of Dewitt "Lefty" Bowden and Helen (Haco) Bowden who preceded him in death. Gary's early childhood began in Coaldale, PA with his parents and extended family including his maternal grandparents who were Slovak immigrants. At the age of 9, Gary joined his parents in Germany where his father was serving as a Master Sergeant in the US Army. A few years later, Gary returned to the US as a pre-teen living on various military bases (Kansas, Kentucky, and Washington). Eventually, the family settled back to his father's home state of North Carolina where Gary graduated from Chapel Hill High School.

At 19, he returned to PA where he met his wife Susanne (Lukas) Bowden in Bridgeport, Pa, whom he married on February 14, 1966. After having 3 children they eventually settled in Sanatoga, Pa. He worked in automotive management for over 30 years, including owning his own Transmission shop. In his final working years, he served on the security staff at Paoli Hospital, where he was affectionately nicknamed “Bull.” As he moved into retirement, he once again returned to his father's home state of North Carolina.

Gary was a practicing Catholic, and was a member of St. Mary Magdalene in Apex, NC. He always believed in being generous towards the church, and charitable to anyone who needed help. He had a great sense of humor, and a smile that will remain embedded in our hearts.

A memorial mass will be held 10:30 am Saturday, July 19, 2014 at St. Mary Magdalene, 625 Magdala Place, Apex, NC 27502. The family will receive friends following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Transitions LifeCare, 250 Hospice Circle, Raleigh, NC 27607.

Online condolences may be made to www.apexfuneral.net.