Robert Gerry Bowlen, Sr.
January 11, 1936 ~ May 22, 2016
Robert Bowlen, 80, of Weirton, WV, died on May 22, 2016, at Lifeline Hospital, Wintersville, OH. Born on January 11, 1936 in Fairchance, PA, Robert was the son of Olive Naomi (Binnie) Bowlen.
Bob retired from Weirton Steel as a railroad engineer after 25 years of service. He was a landlord for 50 years and will be remembered by his tenants for his friendly nature. He participated in the Weirton Steel Bowling and Basketball leagues and the Over 30 League. Bob was a long-time coach in the Weirton Baseball Association. He lead his teams to 8 championships, and in his 12 years of coaching he never had a team finish lower than second place. Bob had fond memories of the relationships he developed with all the players in the Weirton Baseball Association. He cherished the opportunity to coach his own sons and to watch them play various sports. Bob enjoyed a good conversation and could easily strike one up with anyone he encountered. He loved his partner Kathy, his family and friends.
Bob is survived by Kathy Tokas of Weirton, WV, his two sons, Robert Bowlen Jr. (Amy) of Imperial, PA, and Brett Bowlen of Weirton, WV, and his grandson, Beau Bowlen of Weirton, WV.
Visitation will be 4-8PM Wednesday at the Greco Hertnick Funeral Home 3219 Main Street, Weirton, where funeral services will be conducted at 8 PM.
Bob and Brett, sorry to hear about my friend, your dad. Presently in Atlanta, Georgia. Sorry we will not be able to pay my personal respects. God bless, Bob and Dee Guio
Brett and Bobby, very sorry to hear about your dad. My memories of him are his sense of humor and chatting us up over the years, and the many times I would help you guys practice baseball down at Cove Field, and cutting grass at his rental propertie. When I moved to West Coast, your dad made the kind gesture of taking me out to lunch before I left town. RIP Mr Bowlen
Bob and Brett, Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your hearts.
Had the pleasure of working with Bob for many years on the railroad at WSX. I always teased him about a time when he used the office phone to order a half sheet of plywood. We all told him the whole piece would be cheaper, but he said “I only need a half sheet and where would I put the other half”. A good man and friend. Wayne Jeffrey
Brett and Bobby, my deepest condolences. I will never forget the sound of his voice. Whenever I think of the house on Capitol Dr, I hear his voice. Man, could he talk. But that’s why he will be missed so much by me. I always appreciated everything he had to say, no matter how long it took. When it came down to it, he was just trying to know as much as he could about me. That he cared so much is what made him great. He will be missed by many!
To Bobby, Sincere condolences on the loss of your Dad. I can still see him practicing ball with you and I remember watching the back and forth trips to the ball fields as all us neighborhood kids did so many times—–fun days! Thinking of you as you say your good-byes, tough thing, for sure. Long-ago neighbor, Kathy (Pabo) Alatis
We will miss you Bob. Condolences to the family. Kathy let us know if you need anything.
Bobby, my sincere Condolences my friend. One of the hardest things in life is losing our best friend (our father). Just thinking of you during this tough time. I’m Sorry I cant be there to pay my respects God Bless and stay strong Pete Kallos
So Sorry to hear about Bob Passing away. I always enjoyed talking to him when I would run into him.
Bobby and Brett, You have our deepest sympathies on the passing of your father. The video brought back some good memories of visiting you at the house above Edgewood, watching the basketball games at the center, visiting the house on Capital Drive, and talking to your dad the many times he would call Speedy. May God bless you and keep you. May God lift his countenance on you and grant you Peace.
Brett, sorry to hear about your dad passing away. I will always remember talking to him in your kitchen about the craziest things, he had a great sense of humor and always seemed to enjoy life. Take care brother and rest in peace Bob.
Bobby, So sorry to hear about the loss of your dad. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
I am so sorry to hear of my cousin Bob’s passing. My name is also Bob Bowlen, actually Robert Samuel Bowlen and I’m the son of Samuel A. Bowlen of Fairchance. Bob’s grandfather is Nelson Bowlen, who is my uncle. Bob and I grew up together in Fairchance and I remember vividly the day he got his job on the railroad. We last spoke to one another approximately 2 years ago. Again, to Bob’s family and friends, I am truly sorry to hear of his passing. I’ve very fond memories of playing baseball at the Windy Hill Scholl yard in Jimtown, PA. I too shall miss my cousin