Richard A. Bowen Jr. 1968-2026

Born in New Jersey on Dec. 28, 1968, to Richard Sr. and Phyllis Bowen, Rick grew up with a spirit as big as the outdoors. He was a 1987 graduate of Canfield High School and continued his education at Kent State University before earning degrees from Youngstown State University and Malone University. Rick’s professional legacy was defined by 31 years of dedicated service within the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation & Correction. He rose through the ranks from corrections officer to lieutenant, major and deputy warden, ultimately retiring as a respected prison warden on July 31, 2023. His career took him through the Trumbull Correctional Institution, Northeast Reintegration Center and the Ohio State Penitentiary in Coitsville, leaving behind a reputation for leadership and integrity.

While he spent his workdays bearing responsibility that few truly understood, his heart belonged to the open air. Rick was a true outdoorsman with a lifelong passion for adventure and the natural world. Whether he was scuba diving in blue waters, skiing down a snowy peak or fishing for walleye on Lake Erie, Rick was happiest outside. He traveled to Costa Rica and Florida for the catch and hunted in Maryland and Canada, but his greatest pride was the hunting property he built near Wayne National Forest — a dream he carried for years and brought to life upon retirement. Through countless hours of hard work and determination, he created a place of peace and purpose where he spent treasured time at camp, surrounded by nature.

A true craftsman, Rick also poured that same dedication into hand-making his own fishing rods and remodeling his home — always with perseverance, ingenuity and a little help from the computer.

On Feb. 11, 2023, Rick married his soulmate, Vicki Vickers, though their beautiful story began long before in 2010. Together, they built a life centered on family, love, laughter and making memories through every adventure they shared.

Rick was a man who stayed close to his roots. He was a die-hard fan of Ohio State football, the Dallas Cowboys and Dale Earnhardt Jr.

Most of all, he was a fan of his family. He leaves behind his devoted wife, Vicki; his parents, Richard Sr. and Phyllis of Canfield; and his beloved children, Richard (Taylor) Bowen III — who is preparing to welcome Rick’s first grandchild in the coming weeks — and Nicholas Bowen. He also leaves his stepchildren, Sydni (Logan) Hannum and Bode Francis. His memory will be cherished by his sisters, Laurene (John) Schaefer and Cheryl (Gregory) Cutsinger; his many nieces and nephews, John (Sarah), Sydney (Brian), Phillip (Janelle), Michael and Kristina; as well as his great-nieces and -nephew, Mabel, Brady and Cora, who brought a special sparkle to his life.

A celebration of life memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026, at Canfield Presbyterian Church, with the Rev. Larry Bowald officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.

May Rick forever be held in the hearts of all whose lives he touched and in the countless memories shared with family and friends who loved him deeply.

Arbaugh-Pearce-Greenisen and Sons Funeral and Cremation Services of Salem was honored to serve the Bowen family.

The family has requested that donations be made to the Ohio Wildlife Center 6131 Cook Road, Powell, OH 43065 (ohiowildlifecenter.org).

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