Evan W. Bowen, Sr. 84, of Orwigsburg, passed away Thursday, November 9th, at Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey.

Evan was born in Schuylkill Haven, on June 3, 1933, a son of the late Jennie Reber and Warren Bowen. He was the widower of Philomena (Tootsie) D. (Astolfi) Bowen.

Evan joined the National Guard in 1952, the same year he graduated from Schuylkill Haven High School. A year later The US Army called him to serve in Korea. Evan was honorably discharged in April of 1955.

He was employed as a Certified Electrician at Schaefer’s Brewery, later Stroh's Brewery in Lehigh Valley. In his early years Evan worked for the railroad and the Haven Casket Company. He was also employed as an electrician at Parish Steele, Inc., Honeywell, and Reading Tube Corp.

Evan was a member and volunteer for the original Orwigsburg Ambulance Association, member of the Orwigsburg Lions Club, VFW, American Legion, Masonic Lodge # 138, The Shriners, and Charter member and volunteer of the Orwigsburg Historical Society & Museum, where he worked tirelessly to assist with the restoration of the former Friendship Hose Co. No 1, the “Old Jail Lock-Up,” and to establish a museum.

Evan also owned and operated the Old County Seat Gift & Antique Shoppe on East Market Street with his wife, Philomena, for over thirty years and was very dedicated to work, his family, country, and the preservation of Schuylkill County’s history. He would often be seated at his family's restaurant, The 419 Market Street Cafe, greeting and sharing stories with patrons.

Evan is survived by his daughter, Jennifer L. Bowen and well-loved grand dog, “Baby Belle.”  His son, Evan W. Bowen, Jr., and beloved daughter-in-law, Amanda Plummer Bowen, who looked upon him as a second father.

His grandchildren were the “lights of his life.” Grandson Aden W. Bowen and Granddaughter Camryn M. Bowen. All of Orwigsburg. Many nieces, nephews also survive.

He was predeceased by sisters Mary Bowen Knarr, Ruth Bowen Eckert and June Bowen Devine and Brothers Aaron “Skip” & Wayne “ Babe” Bowen.

A religious memorial Service will be held at 10:30 AM on Wednesday, November 15th at Hamilton-Breiner Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. in Orwigsburg, with Rev. John Ziegler, SALM officiating. There will be a Lions Necrology Service at 10:15 AM. Friends are invited to call 9:00 AM until service at 10:15 AM on Wednesday Morning.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Orwigsburg Historical Society & Museum, 109 East Mifflin Street Orwigsburg, PA 17961.

Interment will follow at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery Annville, PA

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