Gary Bowen Obituary

CHAMPAIGN - Gary K. Bowen, 83, of Champaign and Venice, Fla., passed away Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born on Nov. 27, 1941, in Buffalo, N.Y., to Harold and Dorothy Bowen. On June 13, 1964, Gary married Dr. Jean A. (Gerber) Bowen in Fairbury. They spent 53 wonderful years together before her passing in 2017.

Gary leaves behind a legacy of love and connection. He is survived by his sons, John Timothy (Jori) Bowen of Lindenhurst and David Andrew (Christine) Bowen of Roselle; beloved grandchildren, Camille Ann Bowen, John Andrew Bowen and Keira Paige Bowen; sister, Barbara Ann (Scott) Wilson, and their children, Breck and Pierce; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and his dear friend Annilee Shaul.

Gary held degrees in history (Millikin University) and accountancy (University of Illinois). He began as a certified public accountant at Coopers, Ross Brothers, and Montgomery (now PwC), gaining five years of financial expertise. He then accepted a transitional position as controller for the General Council on Finance and Administration of the United Methodist Church (UMC). Gary would eventually become the associate general secretary of the Financial Section and the business manager for the UMC's General Conference, retiring from his "transition job" after 33 years.

A veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, Gary proudly served as a combat photographer. His love for photography did not end with his military service; it continued throughout his life, where he developed a keen eye for beauty in the world around him. Gary's passion for history and travel led him and his wife to all 50 states and to many international destinations, allowing them to create lasting memories with family and friends.

Gary's faith guided his life. He was an involved lay leader in numerous congregations, most recently as a member of First Presbyterian Church of Champaign. His commitment to community extended to his leadership as a Paul Harris Fellow and past president of his Rotary International club in Evanston, and as an active member of Elks Lodge 737 in Elgin. In his leisure time, Gary enjoyed reading, golfing and bowling.

A celebration of life will take place at 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 29, at First Presbyterian Church, 302 W. Church St., Champaign, with a reception afterward. Interment will be held at a later date in Fairbury.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Rotary International World Fund (my.rotary.org/en/donate); please include a notification for the family at [email protected].

Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center's Champaign Chapel, 710 N. Neil St., is honored to assist the family with funeral arrangements. Visit obituaries.sunsetfuneralhome.com/gary-bowen to share memories and photos of Gary.