John Bowen Obituary

John Mark Bowen

Our beloved John Mark Bowen passed away peacefully Sunday, Oct. 15, 2023, at Vancrest of Upper Sandusky while his family shared Dad/John stories of which there were many.

John was born Jan. 29, 1950, in Celina, to Donald Vance and Frances Leone (Hessenberger) Bowen. His parents raised a witty, fun-loving, kind, and smart kid who loved boating, water skiing, and basketball. John graduated from Celina High School in 1968 where he played basketball, ran track, and hung out with many buddies who remained lifelong friends.

John graduated from Wittenberg University with a B.A. in Education and played collegiate basketball while there. He continued his education with graduate work at The Ohio State University and received his Master's in school administration from Ashland University.

His career began at Upper Sandusky High School as a science teacher and high school boy's basketball coach. He continued his teaching career at Seneca East High School where he coached the high school boy's basketball team to several successful seasons. He later became principal at Mohawk High School and Columbian High School, Director of Secondary Education at TCS, and Director of Adult Education at EHOVE Career Center. His last job before retiring was Director of Adult Education for Southwestern City Schools. John's success as a high school administrator and basketball coach can be attributed to his unique ability to relate to students by treating them fairly and with mutual respect.

John married Jennifer Alsip Miller on Sept. 23, 2007, at Marblehead Lighthouse and together, they enjoyed spending time with their family and dogs, boating, traveling, and good food. He was diagnosed with Alzheimer's in 2018.

Jenny's constant care and companionship allowed John to enjoy many comfortable years at home after his diagnosis. His loved ones include his wife, Jenny; children, Emily (Tyson) Boone and Ellyse (Jeff) Leopold, all of Tiffin, and Matthew Bowen of Cleveland; stepchildren, Abigail (Jim) Marchisio of Columbus, Claire (Zac) Lonsway and, Meredith (Kyle) Gilbert, all of Tiffin.

He delighted in time spent with his grandchildren, Quinn Geretz-Boone, Bennett Boone, Palmer Boone, Ellie May Leopold, and Bowen Leopold; and stepgrandchildren, Colten Quinlan, Cora Quinlan, Stella Lonsway, Henry Lonsway, and Landon Lonsway.

He is also survived by his sister, Kathy (Gregg) Emery of Florida; sisters and brothers-in-law, Julie (Rod) Graf of Maumee, Mary (Bill) McCall Buskirk of Tiffin, and Andy (Connie) Alsip of Tiffin.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Frances Bowen; in-laws, Blair and Nellie Alsip; brother-in-law, Russell Alsip; and infant grandson, Lake Leopold.

Special thanks to the staff of Vancrest of Upper Sandusky for their fantastic care and love of John, especially Cliff Constien for his support and direction during John's last few hours.

John's funeral will be 10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 20, 2023, at Engle-Shook Funeral Home & Crematory, Tiffin. Visitation for family and friends will be 4-7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 19, 2023, at the funeral home. Burial will be at Greenlawn Cemetery immediately following the funeral.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions would be greatly appreciated to Tiffin City Schools Pay It Forward Store or Alzheimer's Association of Northwest Ohio.