Patrick Bowen, beloved father, brother and Deacon passed away Saturday, February 13, 2021. He died peacefully at the age of 97.

Patrick Bowen Jr. was born in Longview, Texas on June 26, 1923 one of sixteen children born to Patrick and Leola Bowen. Patrick attended Hebron School of Longview, Texas.

In 1939, the Bowen family, Patrick, Leola, Patrick Jr. his brothers and sisters, Grace, Lacy, James Carl, Nonie, Elmira, Alta, Viola, Boyd, Lloyd, Lois, Doris, Arby, and Elizabeth moved to California and settled in the Palo Verde Valley.

Patrick accepted Christ at the White Rose Church of Christ at the age of 20.

On December 8, 1946 Patrick was joined in marriage to Elester Davis, and from that union five children were born.

In the early 50's Patrick and family moved to Oceanside and he began working for the City of Oceanside in 1953 in the water and sewage department. He trained many other City employees and was promoted to the Maintenance Worker III position making him the first Black Supervisor for the City.

In the early 70's Patrick pursued his appreciation for education by attending night school at Mira Costa Community College of Oceanside, California which encouraged other seniors to follow his achievements.

Patrick helped build two churches, Friendly Church of God In Christ under the leadership of Pastor William L. Jackson located at 1015 San Diego Street and Shiloh Church of God In Christ under leadership of Pastor Mance Buchanon located at 1517 Dubuque Street. Returning to Friendly, he faithfully served as Chairman of the Trustee Board, Finance Board, Deacon's Board, and the Brother-hood, hid hundreds of Easter eggs annually for the Youth Department, and on occasion sang. He continues to be an honorable and recognized Deacon of the Friendly Church of God In Christ.

Patrick was preceded in death by his wife, Elester, son, Lester and granddaughter, Tiffanie Tobe. He is survived by 3 sisters Viola Greer; Lois Betts; and Elizabeth Bowen-Butler, 4 children, son; Thomas Bowen, daughters, Patricia Norris; H. Maxine Peoples and Phyllis Brumfield, (David), 9 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren and a host of family and friends.

Patrick will be remembered daily for his words of wisdom, gentle spirit, sense of humor and great fashion style. Most importantly for his faith in God and what a Man of God should be.

Visitation/Services will be on Thursday, March 4, 2021 from 10-12pm with burial following at Palo Verde Cemetery.