Shirley June Bowen

Shirley June Clark Bowen, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and friend, passed away peacefully in Tulsa, Oklahoma on February 23, 2026. Born on June 3, 1939, in Crocker, Missouri, Shirley was the cherished daughter of Byron Thomas and Artie Francis (Woody) Clark. In 1956, she married Larry Bowen, and together they built a loving family with three children: Mark (Kathleen) Bowen, Cynthia (Kevin) Gaskins, and Michael Bowen. Shirley’s life was rooted in faith and community. She grew up in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), fondly recalling her baptism as a child in Tavern Creek near Crocker. As a teenager and young adult, she shared her musical talents, playing piano and organ for Richland Christian Church services. Shirley’s warmth and outgoing personality made everyone feel welcome and valued. She delighted in reminiscing about friends and neighbors throughout Pulaski County, Missouri, and her love for board and card games—especially Pitch, Spades, Canasta, and Pinochle—brought joy to countless family gatherings. Shirley enjoyed competitive bowling, participating in a bowling league with her lifelong friend, Evelyn Pippin. She was also a member of the Order of the Eastern Star. To those that knew her, Shirley had a subtle sense of humor that will be greatly missed. She was always game for a good joke or witty turn-of-phrase and enjoyed offering a sassy remark. Shirley saw the good in everyone and enjoyed family trips, always finding beauty in the places she visited and in the people she met. Shirley worked nearly her entire adult life in various roles, including administrative positions at Fort Leonard Wood and Montgomery Ward. Her most notable service was as Reimbursement Officer for the State of Oklahoma at the Jim Taliaferro Community Mental Health Center in Lawton, OK. She also worked in the dry goods department at H.E. Warren & Sons in Richland for 18 years before relocating to Lawton, Oklahoma. Upon returning to the Richland area in 2000, Shirley continued to work as a teller at the Bank of Crocker until her retirement in 2012. Shirley is preceded in death by her parents, her husband Larry, her sister Beth (Clark) Deering, and her grandson Charles Fenton (Chuck) Bowen. She is survived by her children, eight grandchildren, Mallory (Jon) Pontious, Mitchell (Alanna) Gaskins, Matthew (Maddy) Gaskins, Morgan (Sheldon) Stoufer, Maisie Bowen, Faith Bowen, Jenna Bowen, Elias Bowen, six great-grandchildren, and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends whose lives she touched. Though Shirley is no longer with us, her spirit and beauty live on in the hearts of her loved ones. Funeral services were held at 3:00 p.m. Saturday, February 28, 2026 in the Memorial Chapel of Richland with Doug Shivers officiating. Also speaking were William Evans and Dan Deering; they shared some of their wonderful memories of Shirley. The songs "Hallelujah" by Lucy Thomas, "Softly & Tenderly" by Dolly Parton, and "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" by Israel Kamakawiwo'ole were played. Serving as escorts were Jon Pontious Mitchell Gaskins, Matthew Gaskins, Michael Bowen, Rob Wilson, William Evans, and Zach Ross. Burial followed in the Oaklawn Cemetery of Richland, Missouri. Services were under the direction of Memorial Chapel of Richland. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in memory of Shirley Bowen to the Beth Deering Scholarship Fund through the Waynesville R-VI Foundation and may be left at Memorial Chapel of Richland.

Shirley June Bowen

June 3, 1939 - February 23, 2026