Eugene R. "Gene" Bowen

CERES --- Eugene “Gene” R. Bowen, a longtime Ceres Resident, passed away Wednesday (June 21, 2023) at the Olean General Hospital.

Born January 5, 1936, in Mansfield, he was the son of the late, Victor and Jessie Ploetz Bowen. On December 8, 1961, he married Sheila A. Sanders, who survives.

Gene was a graduate of Ellicottville Central School, class of 1954. He served in the United States Air Force from 1955-1959. After his military service, he went to Alfred Tech from 1960-1963.

Gene worked for Fedders Corp in Buffalo before working for Dresser-Rand in Olean from 1965-1975.  He then worked for the former Fluor Corp. from 1975-1977.  Gene retired in 1998 and continued to work part-time as a consultant for a gas plant located in Venezuela.  He was also a longtime member and trustee of the Portville Baptist Church.

In addition to his wife, Gene is survived by four children, Mark E. Bowen of Cuba, Diana J. (Dan) Gunia of Atlanta GA., Jamieson V. (Marla Jonak) Bowen of Cherryville, N.C., and Victoria L. Bowen of Rego Park, New York City; five grandchildren, Ryan M. (Alex) Bowen of Mendon, Stacie M. (Alex) Ermer of Hinsdale, Codie J. Bowen of Cherryville, N.C., Gina L. Gunia of Atlanta, GA., and Eric J. Gunia of Atlanta, GA; two great-grandchildren, Charlotte M. Bowen and Dawson T. Bowen both of Mendon; and one sister, Candice M. (Rich) Leach of Corinth.

Graveside services for Gene will be held on Friday (June 23, 2023) at 11 am at the Maples Cemetery in Mansfield.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Guenther Funeral Home, Inc., 1303 E. State Street, Olean. Online condolences can be expressed at www.guentherfh.com.