Born August 1925, he was the 11th of 12 children, born to William and Lula Bowens in Hopehill. This family consisted of eight sisters, Bessie, Edna, Rosie, Mary, Katherine, France and three brothers, John, William and Charles, all deceased. Surviving are two sisters, Helen Carr of Baltimore and Maebell Jones of York, Pa.

Mr. Bowens was married to Anna (Mattie) Bowens, who passed away in October of 2000. This union gave life to seven wonderful children, Sylvia M. Bowens, Shiann Talley (husband Billy), William (Pete) Bowens and David Tyrone Bowens (wife Annette), all of Frederick, Gary Lee Bowens (wife Patricia) of Gaithersburg, Ernie Bowens (wife Deborah) of Chambersburg, Pa., and James (Hicks) Bowens of Carlisle, Pa. (wife Diana).

Mr. Bowens, or "J.B.," as he preferred to be called by his friends, had an extended family that includes many cousins, nieces and nephews. Joining his extended family are also the many people who participated in his life's journey along the way. This includes the staff of nurses, certified nursing assistances, dietary services staff, environmental services staff, social workers, activities staff, administrative staff and church staff at Glade Valley Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Walkersville.

Visits from his grandchildren were always a source of delight to J.B. He was the loving grandfather to 29 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and 10 great-great-grandchildren. He once said that the best thing about having so many grandchildren was that you could love them, spoil them and then send them back home to their parents.

J.B. was a quiet man, who enjoyed the simple things in life. He lived his life following simple basic rules. He believed in the integrity of work, in personal responsibility and personal accountability. He believed that your family's well-being should always come first, no matter what else you choose to do in life. When faced with a choice, you should always do what is right.

J.B.'s life's work was that of a farmer, a factory worker and a truck driver. He was employed with the Remsburg Fertilizer Co. and Miller's Chemical and Fertilizer Co. for more than 35 years.

J.B. was a lifelong baseball fan with a great passion for the Baltimore Orioles. He enjoyed watching or listening to Orioles baseball, especially the play of his favorite players, Eddie Murray, Brooks Robinson, Frank Robinson and Cal Ripken. He also enjoyed watching cowboy movies on television, as well as playing card games.

Funeral services are provided by Gary L. Rollins Funeral Home, 110 W. South St., Frederick. A public viewing will be held from 3 to 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 6, at the funeral home.

Funeral services will be held at noon Saturday, Nov. 7, at Asbury United Methodist Church, on the corner of West All Saints and Court streets, Frederick. There will be a public viewing from 10 to 11 a.m. and family will receive friends and family from 11 a.m. to noon. Interment will be at Resthaven Memorial Gardens following services. Repast will be held at the church's social hall.