John M. Bowen

John Bowen was born in Plymouth, North Carolina on November 25, 1932. John grew up on the farm with his parents Luther & Nell and his siblings, Laura, Jr., Anna, Janette and Betty Jo, who all preceded him in death. After graduating from high school in 1951, he studied at The Stenotype Institute of Washington DC and he worked at the FBI. He met Nell Modlin who was a clerk at the FBI and they married in 1952. His first court reporting job was in Norton, Kansas. Three years later in 1958 John moved his family to Olathe Kansas. For the next ten years he worked at the Johnson County Courthouse with Judge Clayton Brenner. He then reported for Judge Howard Sachs for over 30 years in the federal court of the Western District of Missouri. He also purchased a freelance court reporting firm gaining the opportunity to travel throughout the world. Some of his clients included the NCAA, Veterans of Foreign War, Boilermakers Union and the National Cosmetology Association. Some of his community service included: Olathe Medical Center Board of Directors, member of the Olathe School Board and for 58 years he was an active member of the First Baptist Church of Olathe. John leaves behind his wife Nell, two children Mack (Kim) Bowen Overland Park, KS, Kim (Nate) Harbur Overland Park, KS, three grandsons Kyle (Becky) Bowen Dallas, TX, Cole Harbur Kansas City, MO, Luke Harbur Kansas City, MO, three great grandchildren Stella, Mack & Brooks Bowen Dallas, TX as well as many beloved nephews and nieces.

He lost his grandson Jay Bowen in 2006.

A private memorial service will be held on April 1st at 2:00 pm. To watch the service online please visit fbcolathe.online.church.

In lieu of flowers the family requests contributions to the following charities:
Gift of Life 6405 Metcalf Avenue, Suite 109, Overland Park, KS 66202
First Baptist Church of Olathe 2024 East 151st Street, Olathe, KS 66062
Olathe Health Hospice House 15310 Marion Street, Olathe, KS 66061




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