Donald K. Bowen was born on October 29, 1958 in Rochester, Indiana.  As the oldest of Bob and Andrea Bowen’s six children Don was a leader from the start.  Growing up in Macomb, Il Don led his siblings and friends on various harrowing escapades that, mixed with his parent’s love, contributed to the man Don was to become. 

Don attended Western Illinois University and received a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics.  While in college Don had two life changing meetings.  He met Jesus Christ in 1979 and Eileen Boddy, an interior design student from Cary, IL in 1980.  While Don had experienced the love of Christ as a child in his home, it was in college that he decided that he needed a personal relationship with his savior.  He and Eileen were involved in Navigators and grew in their faith.  Don and Eileen were married on Sept. 22, 1984.  

Don and Eileen moved to Peoria, IL where Don began his career and they started their family.  Megan, Amy, Kelly and Lauren were Don’s proudest achievement and his greatest joy came in seeing them grow in their own faith in Christ.  Don said that God knew he needed girls in his life.  As the father of girls, Don educated himself on “girl” issues.  In 2007, along with Megan, Don hosted the Christian Center Purity Ball and even appeared on Good Morning America, with Megan and Amy, to talk about his role as the father of girls.  He was well known for his “potential boyfriend” interview. 

Don’s career in the computer field began at Bradley University and moved on to a number of companies including ATS, Caterpillar, the Burton Group, Tidepoint, Sun Microsystems, In 2007 Don and friends started UnboudID in 2007.  Don made a name for himself in identity management and through his career made friends worldwide.  He was always ready to make a new friend, always interested in people and ready to give an answer for his hope in Christ. 

Don and Eileen were members of Christ Missionary Church for 7 years where they first met many friends.  They started attending Northwoods Community Church in 1993.  They were involved in a wide spectrum of service through the church and Don realized a lifelong dream of using his gift of singing as a ministry when he began to sing downstairs with the kids and then on the main stage.

Don was a lifelong fan of the Green Bay Packers.  He loved football and many other sports including golf, tennis, wrestling, ping pong and Frisbee golf.  He was an avid spectator and participant, enjoying competition in any arena, from the golf course to the card table.  His involvement in sports and games was fueled by friendship.  Loving friendships abounded in Don’s life and he valued each one.  During his illness he never stopped being amazed by and thankful for the outpouring of love that came from his friends.

In Dec. of 2007 Don noticed that his sight was changing dramatically and went to the doctor.  He was diagnosed with a brain tumor and aggressive treatment followed surgery.  For two years Don faithfully kept his family and a world of friends “updated” on his condition and his faith journey through his blog.  Thousands of people read and many responded to his writing and to his honest sharing.  His final blog, written by his father, announced Don’s passing on Saturday, October 31, 2009. 

Don is survived by his wife, Eileen, their daughters Megan, Amy, Kelly and Lauren, his parents, Bob and Andrea, his four sisters, one brother, their spouses and 25 nieces and nephews.

On January 14, 2008, (1 week after surgery) Don wrote:

“I was created to bring glory to God with my life. I’m praying that through this ordeal I will be used to do just that. I am praying with you that He will be glorified by healing me on this side of heaven and allowing me to be a testimony of his incredible power. But you should know right now that if it doesn’t work out that way, I won’t be upset. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not ready to check out and most days Eileen is good with me sticking around too.  It’s just that God is good and that goodness, for me, has nothing to do with how I feel. I said this earlier, but it is really true. I’m living life at a level I never dreamed possible. I feel like Mel Gibson from Braveheart when he said, ‘All men die, but not all men truly live’.”