Benjamin Bowden

Benjamin “Bennie” Bowden, age 82, of Portage, passed away January 7, 2025. He was born August 15, 1942, in Kalamazoo to the late Benjamin and Eva (Oakley) Bowden.

Bennie was a pipe fitter for the Plumbers and Pipefitters Union Local 357 and was a Supervisor for Pro Pipe at Upjohn for many years. After working hard for 55 years, he was able to retire and enjoy his love of coins.

He was very proud of his family, his work and his numerous hobbies. Bennie was generous, caring, loyal, a great provider and teacher, and an amazing father-figure. He was handy and always there to help any way he could with projects. He was very giving of his time and spent much of it supporting his family and enjoying his hobbies.

He served as an amazing and selfless caregiver for his wife. They enjoyed their time spent together, whether it be the casino or visiting their trailer at Singing Sands in South Haven. He was with her through decades of health concerns and never wanted to leave her side.

He was also always there for his children and grandchildren. He was around to coach and cheer them on during sporting events and enjoyed golfing with his Son Brett on many leagues.

Bennie never was lost on things to do from him and Guyla enjoying many happy hours at the Beacon Club with friends and family. He was a coin collector and a member of a numismatics coin club. He owned and raced motorcycles for many years. He was especially proud of his 1935 Chevy Street Rod and loved his ’72 and ’73 Corvettes. He entered his chevy into many car shows as well as attending them. He earned his pilot’s license and owned his own plane. He and his friend, Rich Perry, loved flying and they even hand built a replica of an Army plane together.

He enjoyed simple things like Coney Island hot dogs, Bimbo’s Pizza and chocolate chip cookies and was an avid fan of the University of Michigan. Go Blue!

Bennie was preceded in death by his parents; beloved wife of 52 years, Guyla Bowden; and sister, Joyce Otten.

He is survived by his children, Brett (Julie) Bowden and Lisa Chapman; grandchildren, Zach (Leeann) Bowden, Benjamin (Emily) Bowden, and Tayler Chapman; great-grandchild, Adalie, with two more on the way; former son-in-law, Don Chapman; close friend, Chris Preston; as well as his feline companion, Angel.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, January 25, 2025, at 11:00am at 12th Street Baptist Church, 3911 S 12th St, Kalamazoo, MI 49009.

Donations in Bennie’s memory may be made to The Dementia Society of America.

To share a memory or leave a condolence for the family visit https://www.langelands.com.