Eldon Daniel Bowen

Eldon Daniel Bowen peacefully returned to his Heavenly Home on December 16, 2024. Heaven has just received a valiant disciple of Jesus Christ. All who knew Dan were uplifted by his unwavering optimism, charity, and loyalty to his Savior, family and friends. 

Dan was born into the loving beautiful family of Daniel and Ida Tueller Bowen, in Burley, Idaho, March 4, 1934, he being the 9th of 10 children. His family gathered, laughed, played and prayed together. This began his journey of sweet loving family relationships that lasted all their lives.

In Dan’s early teenage years his family moved to Boise, Idaho, where he graduated from Boise High School. Dan excelled in academics and music. He was blessed with a beautiful baritone singing voice which brought opportunities to participate in many musical productions. Following high school, the Korean War was in full swing and Dan was soon drafted into the Army where he spent the next two years of his life. During that time his parents moved from Boise to Meridian, Idaho, and upon his return from military service he moved to Meridian where he would cross paths with his future eternal sweetheart and companion through the medium of music. Together with his beautiful voice and the piano accompaniment of Carol Maree James, they became fast friends and marriage was in the not too distant future in the Logan Utah Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, on November 19, 1956. Dan and Carol have had 68 years of an incredible journey together. They have molded and deepened an eternal love for each other. To this union five beautiful children were born, Clair Daniel (Susan) Bowen, Brent James (Lesa) Bowen, Debra (Scott) Hall, Lori Ann (Marv) Allen, and Rebecca (Brian) Heaton; 25 amazing grandchildren and 54 +3 on the way, great-grandchildren. Their quiver is filling with precious gifted spirits from above. He loved each and every one of them. Dan’s posterity brought him immense joy. 

Professionally Dan earned a degree in Accounting from Utah State University and then took employment with Standard of California (Chevron) Corporate office starting in Salt Lake City and then to Denver, CO in 1962. His family lived and blossomed in the Denver area for 15 years. Dan had a dream of owning his own business. The year 1977 would see Dan and Carol packing up the family and moving to Pocatello, Idaho, where they bought a small distributorship from Chevron Oil Co. Through much hard work, tears and prayers, Bowen Petroleum was built to be a successful company. 

Dan was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Because of his deep and abiding faith and love for his Savior and Redeemer, The Lord Jesus Christ, church service was a significant part of his life. He willingly served in bishoprics, as a Bishop, in Stake Presidencies and as a Stake President. His warm friendly nature, along with his quick wit, endeared him to people quickly. He took the calling of Home Teacher very seriously and had many delightful experiences that made lasting friendships. He also enjoyed studying and teaching the gospel which carried him well into missionary service. 

Dan and Carol served a two-year humanitarian/welfare mission to the Philippine Islands, Singapore, Indonesia, and East and West Malaysia. Under the direction of the Area Presidency, they traveled far and wide, setting up Regional Welfare Committees, teaching self-reliance in the Lord’s way. Experiences never to be forgotten with these wonderful people that he loved so much. 

A few months after returning home from their welfare mission, they received a call to meet with Elder Boyd K. Packer which resulted in a call for Dan to be Mission President. In 10 short months they were headed back to serve in the Philippine Baguio Mission! Dan didn’t hesitate for a second. It took Carol a few days to accept being so far away from family for three more years. Those three years were some of the happiest in their lives. Serving with the young missionaries and with the wonderful couple missionaries was a thrill each day. Oh how he loved them. When it was time to come home he shed tears to leave them. They think of their Baguio missionaries every day with fond memories and much love. They cherish their five years serving in the Philippines. It became their second home.

 Following this mission, Dan and Carol bought a home in St. George, Utah, where they spent the winter months. There they served a mission at the St. George Visitor’s Center and Historic Sights. It was thrilling to talk to people about the church from all over the world who came to the canyonlands. Six years in the mission field has been one the greatest joys of their lives. 

Failing health for Dan eventually brought them back to Northern Utah. They decided to live in Ogden, Utah which would put them in the middle of their five children. They have lived in Ogden for eight years. 

Dan is survived by his wife, Carol and their five children, Clair, Brent, Debbie, Lori, and Becky, their spouses, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his loving parents and all of his brothers and sisters and their spouses whom he loved dearly. What a reunion they are having! 

Our family would like to thank the many angel caregivers for their loving care of Dan in his home and at the Avamere of Mountain Ridge Care Center. Dan’s wife, Carol, and children have spent many days and hours at his side lovingly caring for his every need; feeling it a privilege. 

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, December 28, 2024, at 11 a.m. at the Shadow Mountain Ward Chapel, 5191 Old Post Rd. Friends may visit with family on Saturday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the church. Interment at 2 p.m. at Paradise Cemetery, Paradise, Utah, where full military honors will be accorded by VFW #1695.

To borrow a couple of phrases from him, Dad we know you are “Excellent or Better!” where you are with your loved ones and you can count on us to “Keep given’ ‘em Heaven!” Thanks Dad, we love and honor you. Till we meet again.

Services will be live-streamed and available the day of the services by scrolling to the bottom of Dan’s obituary page at www.lindquistmortuary.com, where condolences may also be shared.

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