Phillip "Phil" E. Bowlen

INDIANAPOLIS – Phillip E. Bowlen, age 78, of Indianapolis, passed away Saturday, May 30, 2015 at Franciscan St. Francis Health. He was born on August 24, 1936 in Monroe County as the son of Lawrence and Ella (Baugh) Bowlen. He graduated from Bloomington High School in 1954 and served in the United States Navy during the Korean War. He married Oneita M. (Stephen) on August 25, 1957. Phil worked for International Harvester as a Tool Design Engineer for 18 years before retiring; he also worked at Westinghouse for many years. He loved farming as a boy as well as much of his adult life. He was a member of New Palestine Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), where he volunteered his time to the church; he was also a member of Fairland Masonic Lodge, American Legion, Family Campers and RVers, Scoutmaster for Cub Scouts #245, and a volunteer for Lake Aurora Christian Camp in Lake Wales, Florida. He is survived by his wife, Oneita Bowlen; sons, Kevin (Merrie) Bowlen of Springfield, MO, Barry (Lynnette) Bowlen of New Palestine, and Jay (Sheri) Bowlen of Huntsville, AL; siblings, Paul (Sharon) Bowlen of Indianapolis, Jan (Barry) Ryser of Bloomington, Donna Pratt of Bloomington, Ron (Cheryl McKamey) Bowlen of Martinsville, and Connie (Jim) Hill of Bloomington; nine grandchildren, Amanda (Adam) Brooker, Laura (Alex) Martin, Carrie Bowlen, Greg Bowlen, Andrea (Jake) Krebs, Tommy (Courtney) Miessen, Eric (Krissy) Miessen, Jesse Miessen, and Alex Bowlen; and three great-grandchildren, Ashton Brooker, Ava Martin, Aleah Brooker, and two on the way. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence and Ella Bowlen; and siblings, Richard, Thomas, Jerry Bowlen, and Bertha Avery. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 2, 2015, from 2:30 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. at New Palestine Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), 4053 South 650 West, New Palestine, IN 46163. A funeral service will be held immediately following the visitation. Reverend Travis Hacker will be officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be sent directly to New Palestine Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), 4053 South 650 West, New Palestine, IN 46163 or envelopes will be available at the church. Friends may share a memory or send a condolence at www.erleweinmortuary.com or email condolences to sympathy@erleweinmortuary.com. Arrangements are being handled by Erlewein Mortuary & Crematory in Greenfield.

Phillip "Phil" E. Bowlen

August 24, 1936 - May 30, 2015