Terry Lynn Bowen

Terry Lynn Bowen, 54, of Berrien Springs died June 9, 2023, in his home surrounded by family after fighting a three month battle with Burkitt lymphoma.

Terry was born December 10, 1968 in South Bend to Larry Max, Sr. and Shirley (Black) Bowen. On June 19, 1993, he married Michele D. Stover, who survives. Through the years, Terry worked as a machine operator at Castmatic Corporation in Stevensville, mechanic at Baroda Tire in Baroda, and had been working as a mechanic at Don’s Automotive in Berrien Springs for 23 1/2-years until his illness.

Terry retired from the Berrien Springs-Oronoko Fire Department as a lieutenant after serving village and township residents for 17 years.

"Like all Berrien Springs-Oronoko firefighters, Terry was committed to serving his community," retired BS-OT Fire Chief Bruce Stover said. "He is an example of what all new firefighters should be in their service to their hometown. He took additional officer training courses so he could better serve his community and assist new firefighters joining the department. Due to his additional training, he was promoted to lieutenant later in his service."

"Because of commitments to his family, as much as he regretted it, Terry chose to retire from the fire department after 17 years of service," Stover said. "He was deeply missed by all of us following this difficult decision, but we all respect the fact that he put the needs of his family first, but remained supportive of his department."

Terry was a huge NASCAR fan, with his favorite driver being Kevin Harvick, a Detroit Lions fan, and, most importantly, loved spending time with his girls.

Terry is survived by his two daughters, Ashley Bowen (Tony Hardin and his son, Jasper) and Dawn (Kevin) Burrows; his mother, Shirley Bowen; special friend, Liz Cromwell; sister, Karee (Tim Ishmail) of Arkansas; nephew Cody Bowen; nieces Jessica Bowen and Lacy Smith; and several great nephews and nieces; aunt, uncle, and cousins.

Terry was preceded in death by his father, Larry Max Bowen, Sr. in 2004; and his brother, Larry Max Bowen, Jr. in 2020.

Per his wishes, cremation has taken place. Burial will be at Rose Hill Cemetery on June 25 at 11:30 a.m., with a Celebration of Life at 1 p.m. at the Youth Memorial Building at the Berrien County Fairgrounds. There will be no visitation.

Memorials may be made to the family c/o Michele Bowen, 9316 N. Red Bud Trail, Berrien Springs; Berrien County Humane Society, or the Berrien Springs Oronoko-Fire Department.

Online messages for Terry‘s family may be left at www.allredfuneralhome.com. The Allred Funeral Home in Berrien Springs is assisting the family with arrangements.