Leroy F Bowen Beltsville Resident for 68 years passed on February 27, 2020 at the Gilcrest Hospice in Columbia MD from complications due to a stroke. Leroy was born on November 11, 1927 to Guy & Margaret Bowen in Washington DC. Leroy was raised in Greenbelt Md and graduated Greenbelt High School in 1945. In 1946 Leroy entered the US Army and was assigned to Ft Sam Huston Texas. Upon his honorable discharge Leroy returned to Greenbelt and began his career at Western Electric in telecommunications which would span 4 decades. In August of 1951 Leroy married Bytha Sturgill. They started their life together in a small home in College Park. In 1953 Leroy and Bytha began the construction of the home they built together in Beltsville. It was completed a year later. This would be their family home for the rest of their lives.
Through the years Leroy was active in the Beltsville community. He was a member of Emmanuel United Methodist Church and was the head trustee for many years. Leroy was first Cubmaster of pack 1031 in 1963 then the Scoutmaster of Troop 735 in 1969 until 1975. He was active in the Beltsville citizens Association and the American Legion. His passions were his Family, Hunting, Fishing, Gardening and Bee Keeping. Through the years Leroy would share his passion of the outdoors with everyone who knew & loved him. He took great pride in being a steward of the outdoors.
In retirement he continued to enjoy his hobbies. He was an avid reader wanting to learn something new every day. He also started a small engine repair shop that he would run for 20 years.
Leroy was preceded in death by his wife Bytha in 2002 after 51 years of marriage, brother Guy Jr. and his parents. He is survived by Children Andy (Colleen) Bowen of Highland MD, Karen (John) Shaw of Gettysburg, PA and Bill Bowen Middletown, MD and Brother Ted M Bowen of Lewes DE.