JACKSONVILLE  -  Michael Wayne Bowen, Sr., 67, of Jacksonville, passed away Friday, November 25, 2022 at Brookstone  Living Center in Pollocksville.  Funeral services will be held at 12:00 PM on Friday, December 2, 2022 at Brookwood Baptist Church with Rev. Ryan Hearn officiating.  Burial will follow at Onslow Memorial Park.

Mike was born December 5, 1954 in Jacksonville, to the late Harry and Jane Bowen.  After graduating from Jacksonville High School in 1973, he attended Chowan  University where he played baseball for the school.  He was also an avid softball player, later competing in many leagues in Onslow County.  Mike was the owner and operator of Mike's Sporting Goods, Bowen's Painting and Home Repair, and served as a general contractor building several homes in Onslow County.  He also worked for his beloved in-laws, Richard and Lessie Newton for many years at Newton Sign Co., Inc.  Mike was a longtime member of Brookwood Baptist Church where he married the love of his life of 43 years, Kathy.

Mike was very giving and especially enjoyed offering locally grown vegetables to his friends.  He also enjoyed helping them with specific projects and other needs and appreciated visiting with customers at the sign shop.  He loved his family and enjoyed cooking Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners for them.  An avid Wolfpack sports fan, he cheered on the players for many years as well as enjoying NCIS, Hart to Hart, and Perry Mason on television.  He and Kathy lived and raised their two children on Elizabeth Lake next to his in-laws, and he loved living on Seminole Trail the home he grew up in.  He prayed daily for his family and friends.

He wa preceded in death by his close Aunt and Uncle, Jennie (Doris ) and Gene (Leslie) Hill; and his sister, Patricia Kraker.

He is survived by his wife, Kathy Newton Bowen of the home, son, Michael W. Bowen, Jr.; daughter, Brooke Bowen (Chris) of Jacksonville; brother, Robert Bowen (Cindy) of Leland; sister-in-law, Karen Newton Randles (Alan) of Jacksonville; brothers-in-law, Stanfield Newton of New York, NY; and Terry Kraker of Jacksonville; numerous nephews; aunts; uncles; cousins; and a great-niece.

The family will receive friends Thursday evening from 6 - 8 PM at Jones Funeral Home, Jacksonville Chapel.