Harvey Bowen, Jr., age 86, of Meeker and Eufaula, Oklahoma died Wednesday, January 23, 2013 at the Oklahoma Veteran’s Center in Norman, Oklahoma.

Bowen was born December 5, 1926 at the family farm northwest of Meeker, the 4th son of Reverend H.T. and Clara Ethel Fraley Bowen. He was raised on that farm and attended school at Mammoth, Shaw Union Graded and Whiterock High School, graduating in the class of 1944.

After joining the Army and basic training, he married Wanda June Frost on December 29, 1946. Four children were born to this union, Dan, Jane, Nancy and Kelly.

Immediately he was assigned to the 21st Infantry Division in Japan. After the war, he returned to his hometown in Meeker to play semi-pro baseball with the Chickasaw Chiefs. During that time, we was employed at Tinker Air Force Base and also was a member of the 14th Air Force Reserves for 1½ years, before being called to active duty in the Korean conflict. He earned several medals, including the Bronze Star during time of military service. After the war, he returned to Meeker, Oklahoma and was appointed to the Postmaster position by Dwight D. Eisenhower.

He served as Postmaster for 28 years.

He was a member of the Oklahoma Schools Activity Association for 25 years, serving as a basketball referee and baseball umpire, working high school and college games. He umpired 22 State High School Baseball tournaments. He was selected to umpire 4 years in Colt World Series. He was active in coaching local, little league and American Legion League Baseball.

Harvey was a member of the First Baptist Church of Meeker, a life member of the VFW and a member of the American Legion for 50 years. He was an avid hunter and fisherman and loved to have good bird dogs around.

Survivors include children Dan Bowen and wife Marla of Meeker, daughter, Jane Fletcher and husband Kenny of Broken Arrow, daughter, Nancy McMahan and husband Steve of Meeker and son, Kelly Bowen and wife Diana of Weleetka, eleven grandchildren, Kerri Montgomery and husband Eric of Choctaw, John Bowen of Victoria, Texas, Julie Bowen of Oklahoma City, Russell Walden of Oklahoma City, Tyler Walden and wife Cassie of Oklahoma City, Lauren Walden of Broken Arrow, Aaron Palmer and fiancé Tosha Edmonds, Emily McMahan and fiancé Bobby Gideon, Clara Cunningham of Oklahoma City, Kelsey Bowen of Weleetka and Tanner Bowen of Weleetka, seven great-grandchildren, Journey and Ridge Walden, Nicholas and Natalie Montgomery, Reese Walden, Emmett Cunningham and Brylee Palmer of Meeker.

The Bowen family will receive friends at Parks Brothers Funeral Chapel in Meeker on Sunday, January 27, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.

Funeral Services will be held at Meeker First Baptist Church on Monday, January 28, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Joe Jones officiating, assisted by Hershell Stearman and Kelly Bowen.

Interment will follow at New Hope Cemetery in Meeker.

Services are under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Home.