Neal Wilbur Bowden

Neal Wilbur Bowden, 92, of Cape Coral, passed away Tuesday, July 16^th, 2024, at the Cape Coral Hospice House following a brief illness. Originally from Cleveland, Ohio, Neal had been a Cape Coral resident since 1987. He was born on April 19^th, 1932, to Ima (Webb) and Fred Bowden, now deceased. He was predeceased in 2015 by his loving wife of over 60 years Jane Kathryn (Skidmore) Bowden. He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law Kathleen and Ted Fitzgeorge of Cape Coral; son and daughter-in-law Steven and Valerie Bowden and grandson, Dustin Bowden, of Richmond Heights, OH.

Neal attended Cleveland Heights High School before joining the United States Merchant Marine, working on ore boats on the Great Lakes from 1950-1953, and meeting Jane while in port in Sandusky, Ohio. He then enlisted in the United States Army, actively serving during the Korean Conflict from 1953-1955, followed by a six year stint in the Army Reserves, culminating in an honorable discharge in 1961.

In 1962, Neal became a member of the International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 18, and embarked on a long and successful career as a heavy equipment operator. Neal was always proud to point out the buildings he worked on in and around the Cleveland area, and is largely responsible for the skyline you see there today.

It was during this time that Neal and Jane moved to South Euclid, Ohio and raised their family. They were long-time active members of St. John’s Lutheran Church. A lifelong avid boater, Neal joined the Northeast Yacht Club in Cleveland in 1964, where he and Jane immediately became involved in the many activities afforded by the club. Neal remained a life honorary member of the club until the time of his passing.

In the late 1970s, Neal and Jane began wintering in Florida, first in the Keys, then on Pine Island, eventually building their retirement home on the water in Cape Coral in 1987. Making many new friends during this period, they took like proverbial ducks to water in their new surroundings. Neal continued to enjoy the boating lifestyle he had adopted in Cleveland, happily exploring by boat all the wonders Southwest Florida has to offer. Additionally, Neal passed on his love of all things boating to his son and daughter. 

Joining the New Residents’ Club of Cape Coral shortly after their arrival in Florida, both Neal and Jane took the opportunity to greatly expand their circle of friends, continuing to enjoy life to its fullest together. In addition, they became members of Trinity Lutheran Church in Cape Coral, as well as enjoying many raucous times as members of the local Moose Lodge.

Neal leaves behind a legion of family and friends who greatly admired him for his wit, wisdom, and incredible sense of loyalty. He will be sorely missed by all who had the pleasure to know him.

As per their request, Neal and Jane’s ashes will be combined and scattered by family in several of their favorite places in both Florida and Ohio. Also per Neal’s request, there will be no public service, but a gathering for wings and beer at a date and time to be determined. The family would like to thank everyone who has reached out during this difficult period. The love felt for Neal is apparent and so very much appreciated.

Mullins Memorial Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Cape Coral, is entrusted with final care.