Roger Nile Bowen

Roger Nile Bowen, 88, of Salem, passed away on Sunday, August 2, 2026 at his home. He was born on July 7,1938 in Miletus, a son of the late Denver Gale Bowen and Zethra Devere Chipps Bowen.

He is survived by his best friend and wife of 68 years, Lola Stout Bowen whom he married on June 1, 1958.

He is also survived by three sons Rick Bowen and wife Peggy of Salem, John “Jose” Bowen and wife Bridget of Clarksburg and Tim Bowen and wife Lisa of Salem; grandchildren, Zach Bowen and wife Michelle, Derek Bowen and wife Heather, Tyler Foley, Olivia Bowen, Shayna Harman and husband AJ, Leann Hutson and husband Zach, Samantha Bowen, Elizabeth Bowen, Mike Werner and wife Ashley and Ben Negron; great grandchildren, Morgan, Grant, Prescott, Ayla, Crimson, Daxton, Oliver, Adalee, Beau, Hadley, Colton, Jonah and Liam; one sister, Jane Steen; and many nieces and nephews that he loved dearly.  One that was more like a son, Jeffrey Anderson and wife Jennifer and their daughter, Tori.

In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his daughter, Tammy Bowen Foley; three grandchildren, Brandi Bowen, Brandon Werner and Mariah Critton; two siblings, Jerry Bowen and Marsha Davis.

Roger was a 1956 graduate of Bristol High School. Throughout his working years, he was employed by Pennzoil, Pittsburgh Plate Glass, Union Carbide and the West Virginia Motor Carrier Division, where he retired after many years of dedicated service. He took pride in his work and the friendships he made along the way.

Roger was a Christian by Faith and was a member of the Lyda Chapel Church on Greenbrier Road in Salem, WV. He found his greatest joy in the simple pleasures of life. He loved spending time outdoors, especially hunting and watching for deer. He enjoyed playing men's fast-pitch softball, for the Log Cabin Supper Club Team, and making memories with his family. Some of his happiest moments were spent watching his grandchildren play ball in the backyard, cheering them on with pride. Roger also gave generously of his time as a coach for Little League and Babe Ruth baseball in Salem, where he positively influenced the lives of many young athletes.

Roger will be remembered for his quick wit, ornery sense of humor, and unwavering loyalty. He never met a stranger and genuinely enjoyed getting to know people and hearing their stories. His friendly nature, warm smile, and ability to make others laugh made him someone people naturally gravitated toward. Above all, Roger was a devoted family man whose love for those closest to him was evident in everything he did. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Family and friends will be received at Davis Funeral Home – Salem, 1999 W. Main Street, Salem, WV, on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and again on Thursday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Jeff Burnside officiating. Davis Funeral Home and Crematory in Salem is honored to serve the Bowen family. Online condolences may be shared at www.davisfuneralhomesalemwv.com.

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