Melvin R. Bowen, 79, of Huron, went to be with his Lord and Savior at his home on Saturday, December 31, 2022. His memorial service will be held on Friday, January 6, 2023, 2 PM at Living Hope Alliance Church in Huron. Burial will follow in the Ideal section of Riverside Cemetery. Memorial visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday.

Mel's funeral service will be live streamed, please click on link to watch. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lznPGyaYn80

Mel was born on September 16, 1943 in Mina Corners, NY to Luther Harry Bowen & Helen Sophia Riewalt Bowen. He graduated from Sherman High School (New York) in 1961. Mel worked with his Dad on their family dairy farm.  After his dad's passing, Mel continued to operate the farm with his mother until he enrolled at Bethany School of Missions in Bloomington, MN where he graduated in 1974.  Mel very much enjoyed the time he spent at Bethany as he made many new friends and grew in his education of the Lord and His work. Mel had a servant's heart, was always willing to lend a hand to someone in need of help and didn't know a stranger.  He was a lover of people and always looked for the best in everyone. He was very patriotic and enjoyed singing "The Star Spangled Banner" acapella and without a microphone! God gifted Mel with a big, beautiful voice.  Mel enjoyed being outside tending his large gardens, mowing, or working on any general yard tasks. He gave away the produce from his gardens as he didn't like vegetables much and, as a result, many people enjoyed the fruits of his labor. He was a member of Living Hope Alliance Church in Huron serving in many capacities within it.

On August 27, 1977, he married Kerry Kuklas of Huron where they established their home.  To this union, three children were born; Sarah, Matthew and Hannah.  Mel enjoyed working for a local gas station, James Valley Christian School, the Church and Terex Industries as a machinist where he enjoyed an almost thirty year career (He whistled and sang there, too, while working!).

On March 21, 2009, Mel married Carol Glenn of Huron.  They relocated to Hay Springs, NE to pursue business interests.  While in Hay Springs, Mel enjoyed working at the Mirage Flats Irrigation District, the Hay Springs Housing Authority, the Mirage Flats Sugar Beet Receiving Station with the Western Sugar Company and the City of Hay Springs Parks and Recreation Department.  He didn't let any grass grow under his feet as he was always busy with his work, helping a neighbor or mowing or snow blowing for a number of people. It was said by many in the community that the parks and especially the cemeteries that he cared for had never looked better.  He loved his work, it showed and was appreciated.

In August of 2021, Mel and Carol relocated back to Huron.  Enjoying retirement, they spent time with their friends, family and their church family which meant a great deal to them.  He loved the time spent with his children and grandchildren.  He will be missed by many friends and certainly his family.

He is survived by his wife, Carol of Huron; one son, Matt (Beth) Bowen of Huron; two daughters, Sarah (Aaron) Rogers of Huron and Hannah (Clint) Outka of Box Elder, SD; two step sons, Andrew (Jodi) Olson of Colorado Springs, CO and John (Mandi) Olson of Littleton, CO; 12 grandchildren; and one sister, Ruth (Bill) Rutledge of Northeast, Pennsylvania. He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother Jay, three sisters, Carol, Hope, and Joy, and several other family members.

Memorials may be directed to Living Hope Alliance Church in Huron, SD.