Wallace Jerry Bowen, LTC, US Army, retired, age 82, was born January 5, 1943 in Mena, Ark., to Odis and Agnes, nee Wallace, Bowen. He passed away Sunday morning, September 28, 2025 at the emergency department of St. Elizabeth's Hospital, O'Fallon, Ill.

Jerry attended Henderson State University, in Arkadelphia, Ark., and earned his commission via ROTC into the US Army in 1964. He was a decorated helicopter pilot who served in Vietnam, earning many decorations including multiple Bronze Star Medals, Meritorious Service Medals, and a remarkable 21 Air Medals.

After retirement from active duty in 1989, Jerry continued to work with Army contractors. While working in Huntsville, Alabama, he met co-worker, Sharon, and they married on August 11, 2000. After their retirement, they moved to O'Fallon, Ill., where Jerry enjoyed fishing and spending time at his cabin near Nashville, Ill. Although Jerry was proud of his military career, he was most proud of his family and enjoyed spending time with them – grilling, going out to eat, tinkering with his projects, and fishing. He was an active member at Faith Lutheran Church, a member of Mensa International, and a big fan of the Arkansas Razorbacks.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Surviving are his wife, Sharon; children Clark Bowen, Belinda (Jeff) Anslinger, Jayden Bowen, Lori (Shawn) McEvoy, Lisa (Rusty) Teal, and Kurt (Nancy) Boeck; his brother Rod (Kay) Bowen; grandchildren Brett Bowen, Eddie Anslinger, Elise Anslinger, Rachael McEvoy, Kaitlin Stopka, Michael Thacker, and Ryan Boeck; and great-grandchildren Madison Brown, Harper McEvoy, Baker Stopka, Ryan Boeck, and Jett Boeck.

Memorial donations are suggested to Faith Lutheran Church . Online guestbook available at www.wfh-ofallon.

The family will receive friends beginning at 9:45 am, Monday, October 6, 2025 at Faith Lutheran Church, 520 East Highway 50, O'Fallon, Ill. A Memorial Service will follow at 10:30 am, with Rev. Candice Wassell officiating. Immediately following the service, a luncheon will be served at church. The funeral procession will depart at 12:45 pm, for a graveside service with military honors at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis, Mo. Church services will be livestreamed via www.faithofallon.org

Livestream link: https://youtube.com/live/Y_-NFzAzDXE?feature=share

Wolfersberger Funeral Home, O'Fallon, Ill.