Complete Obituary: George A. Bowen, Jr., 85, Galeton, PA

George A. BOWEN, Jr., 85, of Galeton, PA, died Tuesday, July 16, 2024 in his home.  Born September 30, 1938, in Blossburg, he was the son of George A. and Hilma M. Hakes Bowen.  The family resided in Wellsboro and Spring City, and in 1945 moved to Galeton, where his parents established the Bow Inn.  The Bow Inn started out selling gasoline and a snack bar, like the modern mini mart, eventually adding a motel, which they operated for many years.  A 1957 graduate of Galeton High School, he served honorably with the U.S. Army from November 29, 1961 – November 28, 1963.  He attained the rank of Sergeant and worked as a clerk in the post headquarters training office in Fort Polk, LA, where as many as 15,000 recruits received basic and advanced training at a time.  George and his brother, Perley, worked with their father in the contracting business building homes and custom kitchens in the Galeton area for several years.  In the mid 1960’s, George started in the insurance business with Metropolitan Life Insurance Co. for a couple years, then opened Bowen Insurance Agency on Main Street, Galeton.  Following the major fire, he moved the agency to the former GLF (Agway) building on Bridge Street and totally remodeled the building into his office and a rental apartment.  He operated as an Independent Agent/Broker for 30 years, retiring in 1999.  George was a past member of Goodyear Hose Co., Gale Hose Ambulance, and Galeton Rotary Club, rejoining Rotary in 2012.  On November 14, 1975, in Galeton, he married the former Suzanne “Sue” Foster, who predeceased him on September 20, 2012.  He and Sue traveled to the 49 continental United States and all the Canadian Provinces in an RV.  They were members of the Holiday Rambler RV Club for nearly 35 years, attending regional and national events throughout the U.S. and Canada.  He served as national secretary and national director.  He served as a Pike Township supervisor and secretary/treasurer for several terms.  George assisted at the Collins and Collins-Olney Funeral Homes in Galeton for many years.  He served as a Potter County Deputy Coroner and Chief Deputy Coroner for 20 years.  In retirement, he drove charter motor coach for Benedict’s Bus Service in Wellsboro for 12 years, traveling throughout the eastern United States from Atlanta to the Canadian maritime provinces.  He also drove tractor and trailer for Campbell Trucking of Galeton for many years.  George leaves behind his golden retriever, Cooper.  Surviving are: two sons, Vincent G. (Kristie) Bowen of Galeton and Jon M. Bowen of Pittston; five grandchildren, Gordon Bowen, Robin (Josh McCarthy) Bowen, Katelynn (Seth Succowich) Bowen, Jackson Bowen, and Riley Bowen; six great-grandchildren, Deagen, Vincent, Amelia, Quinn, Addie, and Ava; a brother, Perley R. (Nancy) Bowen of Galeton; nieces and nephews.  Friends may call at Olney-Foust Funeral Homes & Crematory, Ulysses, PA on Saturday, July 20, 2024 from 3:00 – 5:00 PM, with Funeral Services following at 5:00 PM.  Rev. John Prouty will officiate.  Military Rites will be accorded by a three-man detail from the Potter County Honor Guard.  Burial will be in West Hill Cemetery, Galeton.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Goodyear Hose Co. or Gale Hose Ambulance, Galeton, PA 16922.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfoust.com.