Donald Bowen - Online Memorial Website

(E-mail. readrut120@hotmail.com)

My Condolences for the Family:

The pain, the grief, and the feelings of helplessness when you have lost a loved in death can seem unbearable.  I am understand how you feel right know.  On October 5, 2010 three weeks ago I lost a cousin of mine.  She was 38 years old; we growth together I still can believe that my little cousin is not longer with me.  Tissby Dominga Bernardez Estero, is her name.  I also lost my father on December 27, 2006.  My father's name is Jose Estero Martinez.  He was married to my mother for 46 years.  These deaths in of my dears ones have left my in shot because they were unexpected.  But I would like to share with you something that have help me a great deal.

At such times, we need to go to God’s Word for comfort. (2 Corinthians 1:3, 4) The Bible helps us to understand how Jehovah and Jesus feel about death. Jesus, who perfectly reflected his Father, knew the pain of losing someone in death. (John 14:9) When he was in Jerusalem, Jesus used to visit Lazarus and his sisters, Mary and Martha, who lived in the nearby town of Bethany. They became close friends. The Bible says: “Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus.” (John 11:5). 

I recommend you and your family to read the complete chapter of John 11.  It will give you comfort to know that your loved one will be resuscitated just like Lazarus, but this time they won't die again they would be with us for all the eternity.  Isaiah 25:8:  Jehovah promises that "He will actually swallow up death forever".  Revelation 21: 4 also say " And he (Jehovah our Creator) will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.”   Reading the Bible have help me to keep serving Jehovah, and follow his son Jesus steps, knowing that in the near future I will see all my loved ones I have lost  living in the earth happy for all the eternity.  I want you to let you know you can also have your loved ones back in the near future if you do what Jehovah and Jesus are telling you in the Bible.

For more reference about this wonderful hope you can visit www.watchtower.org 

Although we did not know your son, we want you to know that you and your entire family have been in our thoughts and prayers. You were so kind to us in putting me/us on your prayer list, we want you to know that we hold you in our prayers, as well.

Don was so dear to me when I was in school at Western.  He was my mentor and my friend.  He took time out to work with students and I was lucky to be one of the students he volunteered to help on campus.  He was working at this time as a programmer.  I still have some of the illustrations he drew out for me when I was living at the dorm.  

 

Don was the most enthusiastic person I ever met.   He would laugh with Fred and Jim in the apartment and not be able to stop.   He had such passion for life.  I wanted to be like Don.

 

Don helped me with my testimony speech for a state, college, Christian conference.   I finally got it.  I had it memorized to be exactly 5 minutes.  Giving that speech well was one of the biggest moments of my life.  Don helped me on it for over a month.  He taught me to believe. 

 

I will never forget his faith and his passion.  He was one the most incredible men I have ever met.  I loved his visits to my dorm room when I was on campus.  My parents where getting a divorce and I had no money and not much hope.  Don made me believe in the impossible.  Don was one of the reasons I stayed in school.  I went on to graduate with high honors.  Don was my cheerleader. 

 

He was so wonderful.  I loved how he lived his life.  I loved how he had zeal to do God's will.   I loved his faith. 

 

Don played a big part in my student life.  I will always be thankful how he took the time to love me when I was at WIU. 

 

He was amazing.  I will miss him.  I can still hear him laughing.  I have really wept for him writing this.  What passion he had.  It was contagious. 

 

"Big, real big, bigger than you can ever imagine, that's how I wanted to live my life"

 

This was Don to me.  He had a big life and I wanted my broken life to be like his.  He inspired me.   

 

 

I am so sorry for your loss. I did not know Don personally but I will forever be grateful that I was at Northwoods Community Church the Saturday night that Don sang the song Hold Fast. He moved my heart and soul in such a way that I can not explain. I also attend another church on Sunday mornings but that Sunday I decided to make the turn and once again that weekend attend Northwoods so I could hear Don sing that song again. Every time I hear that song I will remember him and the strong way he fought this battle. I will always regret that I did not take the time to tell him how he affected me but I'm sure he knows now. When ever I would see him and think of speaking to him he was always surrounded by friends so I didn't. I so wish we could attend his service but we will not be able to because of a prior commitment.

Barb and family -

 

I was saddened to read of your brother's passing.  I didn't know your brother but from all of the testimonials I just read, he sounded like a very caring individual.  I will be praying for you and your entire family during this time that you will find peace in knowing that He is with our Eternal Father, in pain no more.

 

God Bless!  Your Chi O sister,

Denise

Eileen and girls... Our hearts hurt. We weep and grieve with you. Not sure whether to be sad or happy. We are glad that Don's battle is over... but sad for your loss and sad to have lost a friend. Your husband and father was a tremendous witness of faith, hope and love of our God and Creator. And the five of you have been a tremendous example of strength, endurance, love, patience and faithfulness. Thank you! We know how much he loved you all... you have that and many other memories to carry with you for the rest of your lives. When I close my eyes... I can see him with that terrific smile looking down on you. We love you more than you will ever know. We pray that God will fill your void with loving friends and family... with outstanding memories of great times... and a powerful knowledge that you will be reunited again one day. We are here for you to help in any way we can. With our deepest sympathy, Pat, Lana, Tyler and Kyle Murphy Neil and Becky Smith

My deepest sympathies at your loss.  Don brought much joy to all he touched.  His faith in God and his love for all of you were always evident.  As I followed along the past two years, I found Don's blog updates to be truly inspirational, and my visits with Don even more so.  He has impacted so many, and will impact even more from heaven. 

Paul Mauschbaugh

I am so sorry to learn of Don's passing and sorry for your loss.  At the same time, I am so happy to have known Don.  He will continue to be an inspiration to all who have had the pleasure of knowing him for a long, long time.

What an honor to have had a "cousin" with such a testimony for Christ in our family.  We have been praying and will continue to pray for God to put His loving arms around the entire family and comfort you with the peace only He can give.  We pray each family member will continue the witness of Christ to the world in their daily walk. from Texas with love, Bill and Pat Corn

Eileen and Girls, you know more than anyone how special of a man Don was here on Earth. He's even more special in Heaven and we will all see that one day. Until then, take comfort in knowing how much he loved each one of you and how many people's lives he touched.

 

I signed up to pray for Don from 11:30 - 11:35 AM each day. I now spend that time praying for all of you. "Hold Fast"