Ipswich - Howard R. Bowen, 88 husband of the late Margaret E. Bowen, died Monday, February 3, 2025 in his sleep.

Born in Ipswich on April 4, 1936 son of the late Chester F. Bowen and Dorothy (Arnold) Bowen.

Howie was a graduate of Ipswich High School in 1955 and was on the varsity football team. In 1958 he joined the U.S. Marine Corps and was in the reserves for six years.

He married the love of his life, Margaret Bowen, in 1962 and was married for almost 57 years. Their first date was at McIntyre's Restaurant in Rowley. He was a devoted father of three (Bob, Beth, and Barbara) and truly enjoyed spending time with them. He taught them a true work ethic and was very proud of all their accomplishments. He was a humble man at heart and would do anything for anyone. Always there to lend a helping hand. He was involved with the Little League and was an Assistant Coach for the Twins.

He was a true "townie" and remained in Ipswich all his life. He enjoyed his everyday stops at Marty's Donut Land, the Newspaper Store, DJ's, Cumberland Farms. He loved to eat at Sofia's (with Karen, Ellen, Maureen and others), the Beverly Diner (with Bob and Kris), the Pancake House (with his nephew Mel and the late Richard Hazen), the Boat House (with his good friend Bill Grant) and we can't forget the Agawam Diner (with Barb).

He gained the nickname "DEP" by frequenting the Fire House when he was young and later became a Call Firefighter for 28 years. One of his proudest moments was In 1961 was when he became the Town Bowling Champion and remained quite active in the bowling leagues.

He was the Caretaker for the Moseley Estate for 26 years. While working there the estate was recognized by Yankee Magazine as "The Azalea House". You may have seen him driving Mrs. Moseley around town in her little yellow convertible Mustang.

Howie worked at the Winthrop School as the Head Custodian for 23 years and later became the crossing guard in front of the school which lasted for 18 years. He became good friends with the teachers, principal, administrative staff, and of course the ladies in the kitchen. He loved seeing all the kids coming and going from school every day.

With his love of gardening, he spent many years working for his long-time friend, Bill Grant.

He also worked at Gordon Greenhouses and Morris Funeral Home for many years alongside one of his best friends, Richard Lombard.

Howie is survived by his three children and their spouses, Robert and Kristine Bowen of Ipswich, Elizabeth and Eric Wade, also of Ipswich and Barbara Bowen of Beverly. He is also survived by his grandchildren and their spouses: Joshua Wade, Megan Pied (Bill), Craig Bowen, Jack Bowen, Jordyn Scalesse (Matt), Cristian Reyes, and his great-grandchildren, Brooklyn, Isaiah, Enzo, Elijah, and Penelope. He is also survived by his two sisters, Barbara Foster and Bernice Berglund (Warren), and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his siblings, nephew, brother-in-law, and sister-in-law, Chester, Dorothy, Donald Sr., Melvin Sr., David, Ted Foster, Helen.

His funeral service will be held Thursday, February 13th. at 10 a.m. at First Church of Ipswich 1 Meeting House Green, Ipswich. Burial will follow in the New Highland Cemetery, 29 Town Farm Road, Ipswich. Visiting hours will be Wednesday, February 12th. from 4 to 8 p.m. in the Morris Funeral Home, 45 North Main Street, Ipswich. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited. In lieu of flowers please make a donation in Mr. Bowen's name to: the Winthrop FRIES (https://www.winthropfries.org/donations) or Ipswich Caring (https://www.ipswichcaring.org/donation). To send a condolence to Mr. Bowen's family please go to MorrisFH.com.