Smsgt Okey Corneil Bowen, Usaf (Ret)

Okey Corneil Bowen, born October 19, 1922 to the late Ralph and Belle Bowen in Ripley, West Virginia died January 17, 2013 at Houston Medical Center in Warner Robins, Georgia. In addition to his parents, two sons, Bert Eugene Bowen and Vernon Charles Bowen, brother, Lawrence, and three sisters, Vera, Beetie, and Roberta, all preceded him in death.

Okey joined the Air Force in December 1941. Okey flew thirty eight missions over Germany during WWII as a B-17 Aerial Gunner while assigned to the 8th Air Force. Okey also served in Civil Service and Active Reserves before retiring from Robins Air Force Base in 1977. Following his honorable service to our country, Okey and his wife, Christine moved to Lake Sinclair, Georgia where he started his own business, Bowen's Electrical/Heating Air Conditioning and Plumbing from 1977-1993. During their time at Lake Sinclair, Okey and Christine were instrumental in the development and actively served the Putnam County Volunteer Fire Department.

Okey and Christine were faithful members of Manley Memorial Baptist Church in Lake Sinclair, Georgia. Okey was named Honorary Deacon in 2005. He was a faithful man of the Lord who loved his family. He was a strong man with a servant's heart. He leaves a loving legacy his family is proud to carry on.

Okey is survived by his wife of sixty seven years, Ellen Christine Bowen, daughter, Wanda Eileen Purvis, son Ralph Merrice Bowen; seven grandchildren, and seven great grandchildren.

Visitation will be Friday, January 18, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at McCullough Funeral Home. The family will also greet visitors on Saturday prior to the memorial service from 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 19, 2013 at Ekklesia of the Word Church on Leverette Road in Warner Robins. Interment with full military honors will follow in Magnolia Park Cemetery.


Funeral Home:
McCullough Funeral Home
417 S. Houston Lake Rd.
Warner Robins, GA
US 31088