Burl Francis Bowen
August 8, 1939 - May 15, 2022
Burl Francis Bowen, age 82, of Kirksville, MO completed his mission of spreading God’s Word on this earth and was promoted to Heaven on Sunday, May 15, 2022.
Burl was born on August 8, 1939 to Willis Bowen and Hazel Francis Bowen on his grandfather’s farm in rural Macon County. He attended La Plata school where he graduated in 1959.
Burl is survived by his children, Shelley Wheeler of Kirksville, Patti Preston-Hopkins and husband Jeff of Kirksville. Marc Bowen and wife Lucinda of Kirksville and Danielle Gentner and wife Kortney of Jefferson City; nine grandchildren, Brandon Tarpein, Jordan Wheeler, Holland Daniel (Josiah), Savannah DeWitt (Matt), Craig Preston (Deanna), Samantha Sthole (Austin), Miranda Couch (Tyrel), Bria Preston and Miranda Mayes; and ten great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, Steve Cole, sisters, Lois Phelps, Chris Benyo, and Shirley Weir. He was preceded in death by his parents, one son-in-law, Steve Preston and one great grandchild, Amanda Preston as well as his beloved Beagle Pepper.
Burl began his career at Banquet Foods (later Con Agra Foods) in Macon in the late 1960’s. He remained there until his retirement. He also owned his own business called Bowen Welding. He traveled the area working for farmers and constructing hog farms. Following his retirement, he worked at the Community Center in Sturgeon MO part time until he became ill with Leukemia and was forced to quit. He then moved to Kirksville to receive his treatments and be near his children.
Burl enjoyed hunting and had been registered with the National Rifle Association as a Gun Safety Instructor. He was especially proud of training his bird hunting dogs Candy and Speckles. Speckles won first place in the Puppy Division in 1995 at the Mark Twain Annual Quails Unlimited Fun Trial.
To say that Burl never knew a stranger would be an understatement. He considered everyone he knew from his neighbors, his doctors and mail carriers his friends. He had an ability to strike up a conversation with anyone anywhere. He was extremely proud of his children and enjoyed telling anyone who would listen about their accomplishments.
Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Thursday, May 19, 2022 at Travis Funeral Chapel in La Plata, Missouri. Inurnment will be in New Harmony Cemetery, east of La Plata, Missouri.
Visitation will be one hour prior to the service starting at 1:00 p.m.
Memorials in memory of Burl may be made to NEMO Senior Citizens Inc. Meals on Wheels. They may be sent to or left at Travis Funeral Chapel, 125 S. Church St., La Plata, MO 63549.
