Fred J. Bowen passed away on December 5, 2020 at Central Florida Regional Hospital due to complications from COVID-19. He was 90 years old. He was born on June 15, 1930 in Cobbtown, Georgia to Bomer and Mattie Mae Bowen. The family moved to Geneva and eventually settled in Sanford. Fred attended Seminole High School. He worked at the bowling alley and delivered milk in the early mornings.

After high school, Fred entered the United States Air Force, serving from 1951 through 1955 as a military police officer. He was stationed in Watertown, New York and was awarded medals for National Defense Service and Good Conduct. He returned to Sanford and worked for A. Duda & Sons as a crew foreman. He took summer vacations to the Smokies, New York State, across the Midwest, and to New Smyrna Beach.

Fred served as a firefighter for twenty years, retiring in 1995. He joined the Sanford Fire Department around 1973 under Chief Manning Harriett. He was EMT certified and a qualified Aerial Ladder Operator. He was honored with the Lion's Club Fireman of the Year Award for 1993-1994. He was a member of the Elk's Club and worked at Nix Bedding & Upholstery over the years.

Fred enjoyed Sunday rides to visit friends and family gatherings on "The Hill" with his Momma, Grannie, Dick, Laura, Aunt Louise, Uncle Clem, Tom and Wynell and the young'uns. He enjoyed fishing on Lake Geneva, on the river and at Oak Hill. He had a horse when he was in school and loved animals. He raised cattle on his five acres, tended to the land and gardened. He enjoyed singing, playing the harmonica, word search puzzles, Lawrence Welk, game shows and his sweets!!

He enjoyed visiting his granddaughters when they were young, bringing Slim Jims and taking them for rides. In his later years he enjoyed riding his wife around Sanford, checking in on his sister, Nellie, and feeding the birds at the lakefront.

Fred was a strong, kind, and good-hearted man. He was from modest means, always cleaned his plate and was blessed with a good dose of common sense.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Edna, his brother Jimmy, and his mother Mattie Mae. He is survived by his daughter, Cheryl Russi, (Mark) and two granddaughters, Jennifer and Jessica Russi; his sister Nellie Evans; nephews Rick Evans (Janese) and Jim Bowen (Kat), niece Patti Evans, his close friend John Carver, who stood by his side over the years, and numerous other cousins and friends.

Friends and Family Visitation will be held from 10:30 am to 11:00 am with a Funeral Service from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm on Sunday, December 13, 2010, all at DeGusipe Funeral Home, 905 S. Laurel Avenue, Sanford, FL 32771

Immediately following the Funeral Service, a Graveside Service will be held at 12:15 pm at Oaklawn Park Cemetery, 4991 Co Rd 46A, Lake Mary, FL 32746.

The family of Fred Bowen invites you to leave a message of condolence on the Tribute Wall created in his memory.