Craig Bowen

Craig Spalding Bowen, 63, of Great Falls, a retired navigator for the U.S. Air Force, died of liver disease on Monday, March 19, 2012 at Peace Hospice.A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 24, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at Bethel Lutheran Church.Schnider Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.Craig Spalding Bowen was born on May 15, 1948 in Albany, Oregon to Howard and Janice (Kjer) Bowen. He attended high school at Albany Union High School graduating in 1966.He went on to Oregon State University, graduating in 1970. He continued his education at Pepperdine University and graduated with a Masters Degree in 1979. He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1970 and was stationed at Beale AFB, CA, Mather AFB, CA, Wurtsmith AFB, MI, and Malmstrom AFB, MT.Craig spent 23 years in the Air Force and after retirement, he became part owner in D&S Computer Services.Craig met Bobbie Gaslin and they were married in 1970 in Reno, NV.They had two children, Kristin and Grant. Craig enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren.He also loved to fish, spending time in the sun and water, and going to his cabin.Craig is survived by his wife, Bobbie Bowen of Great Falls; daughter Kristin Bowen of Meeker, CO; son Grant Bowen and his wife, Shannon of Billings, MT; sisters Marilyn Christensen of Cornelius, OR and Diane Bowen of Anacortes, WA; and grandchildren Taylor, Tyler, Tegan and Cooper Bowen.Craig was preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Janice Bowen; and a nephew, Eric Christensen.Condolences for the family may be left at www.schniderfuneralhome.com. Schnider Funeral Home.