On Sunday, July 12, 2015, Donald L. Bowen of Columbia, SC passed away after a valiant battle with brain cancer and entered into the presence of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, whom he faithfully loved and served. Don was the beloved husband of Patsy for 58 years; the father of Terry (Dale) O'Shields, Don (Laura) Bowen and Ron (Stacy) Bowen; granddaddy of eight; and great granddaddy of five.

Don was born in Columbia, SC where he lived most of his life. He graduated from Dentsville High School in 1953 and began his career with Seibels Bruce Insurance Co., where he worked for 11 ½ years. As an independent business owner Don and Patsy operated Don Bowen Co., Inc., Real Estate and Insurance, for 50 years. During his professional life, Don served as President of the Columbia Multiple Listing Service and President of the Columbia Board of Realtors where he launched the first annual Realtors' Prayer and Thanksgiving Breakfast. He was recognized as Realtor of the Year and the Greater Columbia Chamber of Commerce's Small Business Person of the Year. Throughout his adult life, Don was committed to serving his Lord and his local church as a deacon, music leader and Sunday School teacher. He was actively involved in various roles in the Columbia East Camp of Gideons International where he loved distributing the Scriptures.

Don enjoyed music, hunting, fishing and mountain hiking. He loved spending time with his family and friends. Most of all, he loved to tell the story of Jesus.

Visitation for Mr. Bowen will be Thursday, July 16th, from 5 to 7 o'clock at Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, 7600 Trenholm Rd, Columbia. The funeral service will be held Friday, July 17th, at 10:30 o'clock at North Trenholm Baptist Church. Burial will follow at Jackson Creek Baptist Church Cemetery.

Memorials can be made to the Columbia East Camp of Gideons International, 5106 Two Notch Rd # B, Columbia, SC 29204; or the North Trenholm Baptist Church Foundation, 6515 N Trenholm Rd, Columbia, SC 29206.