Donald (Don) McAfee Bowen, 91, passed away on February 23, 2025, surrounded by his daughters.

Don was born September 16, 1933, in Atlanta, Missouri. He grew up in Kansas City, Missouri, with his mother Berneice Waddill and stepfather Jack Waddill. Don spent many summers with his grandparents James Victor and Vertie Bowen of Atlanta, Missouri, and George Joseph and Annice McAfee of Macon, Missouri. He was an adored big brother to his sister Vicky (Bowen) George. Don graduated from Westport High School in 1951 where he was active in sports, including football, basketball, and wrestling He maintained many of his childhood friendships throughout his adult life.

Don then attended William Jewel College, where he was a member of the Kappa Alpha fraternity and continued playing sports. (He has been inducted into William Jewel College's sports hall of fame.) He graduated with a degree in Economics. After college, Don proudly served as a lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps.

After his military service, Don returned to Kansas City, where mutual friends introduced him to his future wife, Sally. Don and Sally were married on September 26, 1959, and lived in Kansas City, Missouri before moving to Overland Park, Kansas. Their first daughter, Joan, was born in April 1963. In 1964, they built their family home (one of the first homes in their Nall Hills neighborhood) in Overland Park. Their second daughter, Lara, was born in August 1966, and in January 1976 they celebrated the birth of their son Jim. In 1994, Don became a grandpa to his only grandchild, Rachel. Don had a close bond with Rachel, being there for her for 30 years, and often stepped in as a father figure for her for most of her life until his passing.

The majority of Don's career was spent working in Human Resources for Sprint (and its predecessor companies United Telephone and United Telecom). Don was a special parent, grandpa, and friend. He coached softball, baseball, and basketball for his kids. He was a charter member of Covenant Chapel church and actively served the churches he attended in several roles. His favorite was serving as an usher, which allowed him to greet fellow churchgoers on Sunday mornings. Don was friendly, caring, and supportive to all. He was also generous in giving financial support and his time to a wide variety of charities and causes dear to his heart. He and Sally played bridge for many years, celebrated many Super Bowls, and took trips with their good friends.

Don was preceded in death by his mother Berneice, stepfather Jack, son James Haworth Bowen (1990), and beloved wife of 63 years Sally (2023). He is survived by his sister Vicky George, daughters Joan Bowen and Lara Bowen, granddaughter Rachel Smith, his granddog Duke, and several nieces and nephews. He was loved by his family, many friends, and neighbors, and is greatly missed by so many of us.

A celebration of his life will be held in the Dalbey Chapel at Colonial Presbyterian Church, 9500 Wornall Road, Kansas City, Missouri, on March 16, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. with a reception immediately following. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations for Good Shepherd Hospice (made payable to Hospice Care Foundation, Inc., 4350 Will Rogers Pkwy Ste 300 Oklahoma City OK 73108-1839), which provided to Don, Sally, and their family great, loving care and support.