Arthur Melvin Bowen

Arthur M. Bowen, 93, of Vancouver passed away at his home, surrounded by his loving family, May 19, 2016. His grandchildren were holding his hands, his daughter and son-in-law leaning in to tell him he was loved. He was born August 17, 1922 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Art was an orphan, and lived in 15 homes before age 16 As a young man, he joined the Civilian Conservation Corp. where he did work building the lodge at Mt. Hood. During WWII he proudly served in the Army, primarily in the Philippines. After leaving the Army, Art moved to Southern California. During a trip back east, he met a young lady, named Maxine Moore in Ohio. He wasn’t initially impressed, but as he headed home he realized she was all he could think about. They carried on a long distance relationship, finally marrying January 29, 1959 in Ohio. He then brought his new bride back to California, where they began their family. In 1970, the family moved to Vancouver.

Art retired as a driver from Greyhound in 1983, after 32 years of safe driving. He was a proud member of Brush Prairie Baptist Church since 1972, serving as an elder.

Art was, by nature, an artistic person. He enjoyed drawing, writing, woodworking, composing poetry and listening to music. He loved socializing. He made a friend wherever he went and he always had a joke to share. Even though his formal education was limited, Art never quit learning. He had a curious mind, and actively researched various topics. He was a wealth of knowledge on the Bible, as well as U.S. history and politics.

Besides his family, Art’s faith was the most important thing in his life. Service to his church was vital to him. He enjoyed visiting the homebound and sick members to keep their spirits up and to help them with any of their needs.

Art is survived by his daughter, Nancy (Donald, Jr.) Lillard; and grandchildren, Brock Lillard and Natalie Lillard. He is preceded in death by his loving wife, Maxine.

A graveside service for Art will be 10:00 AM, Saturday, May 28th at Brush Prairie Cemetery, followed by a celebration of life at 11:00 AM, at Brush Prairie Baptist Church, with a reception to follow at the Fellowship hall.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Brush Prairie Baptist Church

Arrangements under the direction of Vancouver Funeral Chapel, Vancouver, WA.