Michael Ray Bowen

Michael Ray Bowen, age 77, a life-long resident of Natchitoches, Louisiana passed away on Thursday, August 17, 2023 at his home surrounded by his loved ones having lost his battle with Alzheimer's disease.

Michael is survived by his daughter Jenny Settle and husband Daniel; grandchildren John-Michael Settle, wife Sierra; Danielle Morgan, husband Zachary; great-grandchildren Geneva Kate Settle and Victoria Rayne Settle; and daughter Kim Bowen. Five siblings, Sandra Johns, husband Sammy; Jimmy Bowen, wife Susan; Mary Bennett, husband John; Bobby Bowen; Pat Bowen, wife Melody. Michael was predeceased by his father Samuel I. Bowen, mother Mary Geneva Beaudion Bowen, brother Sammy Lynn Bowen, Sr and nephew Sammy Lynn Bowen Jr. 

Michael was born on October 12, 1945, to Sam and Geneva Bowen, the oldest of seven. He was a life-long member of the Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception Church and blessed so many with his incredible voice in the choir and at many weddings. He served in the National Guard. Upon his graduation from St. Mary’s Catholic School in 1979 he studied physical therapy at Northwestern State University while working multiple jobs to provide for his family. He made his career working at Valley Electric for 36+ years, retiring in 2016. 

Michael loved gardening and possessed a green thumb just like his mother’s. He always had a very giving heart and loved to pamper his family and all of his animals. Michael will always be remembered for his loving and giving nature. His absence will leave a hole in many hearts. We will all miss his smile and incredible sense of humor but we find peace in knowing that one day we will see his smile again. 

“But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31

A special thank you to Delana Garner for taking such good care of our Poppy, and Hand in Hand Hospice for their compassion and expertise in our time of need. 

A wake will be held at Blanchard St. Denis Funeral Home, Sunday, August 20^th from 4pm to 8pm; Rosary at 4pm. A Mass will be held Monday, August 21^st at The Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception at 10am officiated by Father Louis Sklar; Michael will be cremated and buried at a later date. Please join the family for a meal in the church hall following the funeral mass.   Those honored to serve as pallbearers include John-Michael Settle, Daniel Settle, John Settle, Zachary Morgan, James Settle, and Pete Gentry.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Minor Basilica of Immaculate Conception Church or the St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, an organization that Michael strongly supported.