Title
To honor, recognize and celebrate the life of John W. E. Bowen, III and to extend our sincerest condolences to his family and friends on the occasion of his passing on Friday, May 27, 2011.
Body
WHEREAS, John W. E. Bowen, III was born October 4, 1926 in Jackson, Mississippi to the Reverend John W.E. Bowen, Jr. and Margaret Davis Bowen; and
WHEREAS, John and his wife, Jeanne, were devoted parents to four wonderful children, daughters Janice, Margaret, and Rose and son, John W.E. Bowen IV. They were blessed with four grandchildren and one great-grandson; and
WHEREAS, in 1953, John graduated from The Ohio State University College of Law and worked in the Columbus City Attorney's Office before engaging into private practice for over 50 years; and
WHEREAS, John was a member of the Ohio Senate, serving in the 107th and 108th General Assemblies from 1967 through 1970. He served as the Director of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Cincinnati, Ohio and was a member of the Ohio Board of Regents. He served on the Board of Directors of the Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce and was a Trustee of the Ohio Center Company for Community Urban Redevelopment; and
WHEREAS, John was an active member of the United Methodist Church on a national, regional, and local level and served as a Delegate to the 1968 Quadrennial General Conference and member of the 1956-1960 Quadrennial Commission on Christian Higher Education; and
WHEREAS, John served as Co-Chairman of the United Negro College Fund Columbus Campaign and was Chairman of the Job Development and Empowerment Committee of the Columbus Urban League. He was a member of the Boards of Trustees of the Columbus Town Meeting, Franklin County Mental Health Association, and the Franklin County Regional Planning Commission. He has received numerous citations and awards for his community service and legislative work; and
WHEREAS, John was a Life Member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.; and served as General Chairman of its 1962 General Convention (the National Convention) in Columbus; and
WHEREAS, John was a friend to many and will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved him; now, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
That this council does hereby honor, recognize and celebrate the long and fulfilling life of John W. E. Bowen, III and extend our sincerest condolences to his family and friends on the occasion of his passing.