Ralph Bowen

Yorktown-Ralph Bowen, 94, went home to be with his Lord and Saviour on Thursday, August 23, 2018, following an extended illness. He was born on Sunday, December 30th, 1923 in Wilder, West Virginia, the son of Perry and Pearl-Lee (Music) Bowen. Ralph was raised in war, and graduated from Big Creek High School in 1941. During W.W. II, he proudly served his country with F-Troop, Fifth Calvary, First Division, in the Philippines under the command of General Douglas MacArthur, whom Ralph had personally met. Wounded twice in action, Ralph received several medals and citations, including the Purple Heart, the Asiatic Pacific Ribbon with three bronze stars, the Philippine Liberation Ribbon with one Bronze Star, and several others for his service from 1943 through 1945. In 1945, Ralph located in the Yorktown area and joined the American Legion Post 321. This was its first year of existence and two years before the current post was built. Ralph was instrumental in the planning and building of the new building, and a small group of legion members including Ralph, used their own money to keep the Legion from going under for the first few years. Many know Ralph Bowen as the Legion manager for many years, overseeing the daily operations. He was a man that was always at this Post. Ralph seldom spoke of his war time heroics. He was a respected member of the three man executive board for many years before health issues caused him to retire. He had seventy years of continuous membership and Ralph was made an Honorary Post Commander in 2008. Ralph is truly one of our legends at Yorktown Post 321! Thank you for all you have done for your country and the Yorktown American Legion. He was also a member of the Delaware County 40 & 8 Voiture Post #955. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Ralph's home health aide, Amy and also to hospice for all of their love, support, and care. Ralph will be greatly missed by his wife, Sharon, and his best friend Peanut. He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Perry Lee, and two brothers, Oscar and Harold Bowen. Family and friends may call Monday, August 27, 2018, from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at Elm Ridge Funeral Home, 4600 West Kilgore Avenue, Muncie, Indiana 47304. Services to commemorate Ralph's life will take place at 1:00 p.m. Monday, at Elm Ridge Funeral Home with Pastor Steve Dugger officiating. Burial will immediately follow the service at Elm Ridge Memorial Park, where military honors will be conducted by the Delaware County Honor Guard. Memorial contributions may be made to the Yorktown American Legion, 2110 South Broadway Street, Yorktown, Indiana 47396. On-line condolences may be sent to the family at: elmridgefuneralhome.com