Gary Dwaine Bowen

Gary Dwaine Bowen, 92, of Libby, Montana, passed away peacefully on July 31, 2026, at Cabinet Peaks Medical Center.

Gary was born on Dec. 6, 1933, in Libby, Montana, to Woody and Toots Bowen. He was raised and educated in Libby, a town he loved and proudly called home throughout his life.

At just 17 years old, Gary answered the call to serve his country by enlisting in the United States Navy. He proudly served during the Korean War, a time that helped shape the strength, dedication and patriotism he carried with him for the rest of his life.

After returning home, Gary married the love of his life, Willa Powell, in Spokane, Washington, in 1953. They returned to Libby to build a life together and raise their family. Gary and Willa shared a lifetime of love, devotion, and countless memories that continue to live on through the family they cherished.

Gary was one of the hardest working men you could ever meet. He owned and operated his own logging company before beginning a career in road construction, where he worked as an oiler. Some of his happiest memories were made while traveling to jobs with his family. He often said he would not take a road construction job unless his son, Bill, and grandson, Tommy, could come along. Those trips created lifelong memories and reflected the importance Gary placed on family above all else.

Family was the center of Gary’s world. He loved his children beyond measure and absolutely adored his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was never simply Grandpa. He was Granddad, and that title meant everything to him. He was a steady presence, a storyteller, a teacher and someone who made each member of his family feel loved.

Gary also had a remarkable way of connecting with people. He always had a saying or a piece of advice that seemed to come at just the right time. His wisdom, humor and kindness left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Woody and Toots Bowen, his beloved wife, Willa Bowen, his daughter, Martha, his sisters, Donna and Shirley, and his great-grandson, Alex Cure.

He is lovingly survived by his son, Bill (Lori) Bowen of Tooele, Utah; his grandchildren, Tommy Price (Derri) of Brigham City, Utah, Amy Apenhorst (Scott) of Libby, Montana, and Nick Bowen (Kim) of Stockton, Utah; nine great-grandchildren, Dylan Price, Jordyn Bollinger, Lexi Price, Brooke Price, Hagen Bowen (Rylie), Shelby Price, Dasha Skeem, Nixon Bowen and Journie Bowen; as well as three great-great grandchildren, Ayden Price, Mason Bollinger and Axton Leifson.

A viewing will be held from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday, Aug. at Schnackenberg and Riddle Funeral Home.

A funeral service celebrating Gary’s life will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, Aug. 7, at Schnackenberg and Riddle Funeral Home with Steve Schackenberg officiating. Military honors will follow at Libby Cemetery. Family and friends are invited to gather afterward for a luncheon at the Libby Pavilion to continue celebrating Gary’s remarkable life.

In lieu of flowers, Gary requested that memorial donations be made in his honor to local animal shelters, a cause that reflected his lifelong compassion for animals.

Gary’s legacy is one of hard work, service, love and unwavering devotion to his family. He believed in showing up, doing the job right and taking care of the people he loved. While his family will miss him deeply, they find comfort in knowing his stories, his wisdom and the values he lived by will continue to guide future generations.

He will be forever loved, deeply missed and never forgotten.

Arrangements are under the care of Schnackenberg and Riddle Funeral Home of Libby, Montana. Online condolences and memories may be shared by visiting www.schnackenbergfh.com.