Arthur Lorenzo Bowen

  Arthur “Art” L. Bowen, 83, passed away peacefully on Nov. 17, 2013, at his home in Napa, after a long illness. Family and friends were at his side. Art was born on Nov. 6, 1930, at the St. Helena Sanitarium Hospital, to Len and Leta Bowen. He moved with the family to Ukiah, Calif., when in junior high school, and then to Napa, where he entered Napa Union High School, from which he graduated in 1950.

After graduation, Art enlisted is the U.S. Navy and was stationed at the Great Lakes Naval Station, later in South Carolina and Florida. He took an early medical discharge because of his mother’s health issues.

Returning to Napa, Art went into the real estate business, where he remained for the rest of his working life. He is best remembered for his years as the broker of Home Finder’s Realty. Art’s kindnesses and concerns in dealing with clients were his stellar trademark. He ended his career as broker with Realty World.

As time went by, Art renewed acquaintance with an old high school friend, June Bogdanski McCarty. On June 6, 1961, Art and June were married at the Presbyterian Chapel in Napa. June remained the love of Art’s life until his death.

As the years went by, the couple opened their home to several foster children whom they raised as their own.

Art’s interests did not stop with real estate. He became involved in numerous volunteer activities. He was a member and past president of the Native Sons of the Golden West, where he, for a time, played in their drum and bugle corps. He was past president of the Napa County Board of Realtors, and a member of the Chamber of Commerce.

His proudest moments, however, were his activity with the Napa Sea Scouts, associated with the Silverado Council of Boy Scouts. He won a Silver Beaver Award for his many hours donated to this organization.

Art and June were dedicated to the Napa High School music programs and generously donated funds regularly to support them. The couple also loved attending professional drum corps performances and contests, specifically the Concord Blue Devils, a national award-winning corps.

Art had a love of antique fire engines, some of which he purchased and drove in numerous Napa parades. He and June also attended Rose Bowl parades for many years.

The Bowens joined the First Christian Church in Napa in 1989 and have been faithful supporters and members since.

Art was known for his positive attitude and jolly spirit. He was a pillar of his family and community and will be deeply missed.

Art is survived by his wife, June; sons, Alan Watkins of Napa and Michael Strong of San Jose, Calif.; grandchildren, Randy Watkins Paul of North Carolina, and Timothy Watkins of Colorado, and Chelsea Strong Terrill and Hanna Strong of Napa; great-granddaughter, Delaney Terrill; sister, Erwina Musick of Rio Vista, Calif.; nephews and nieces, Stanley Musick of Vacaville, Calif., Connie Musick of Tracy, Calif., and Dan Musick of Vacaville.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 23, 2013, at the First Christian Church, 2659 First St., Napa. Condolences and memories may be shared at TreadwayWigger.com.

The family would like to thank Kaiser Hospice for their loving support and care for Art, and for all the care and concern offered by their many friends and family members.