Russell Jay Bowen

With heavy hearts we announce the passing of our beloved brother, father, uncle, and friend, Russell Jay Bowen, who passed away unexpectedly on January 16, 2026, in Idaho Falls, Idaho.

Russell was born on December 31, 1954, in Rexburg, Idaho to Gerwin P. Bowen and Venese C. Bowen, the second of six children. He carried through life a gentle spirit, a quiet kindness, and a deep love for family and music.

Russell was a kind soul with the voice of an angel, and he blessed many through song. He treasured his time performing with the Ricks College Showtime group and often spoke with fondness of the honor of singing for President Spencer W. Kimball on his 85th birthday in the Tabernacle on Temple Square in Salt Lake City. He enjoyed many performances with Showtime and blessed many with his talent.

Family and friends were the center of Russell’s world. He devotedly showed up each year to camping in the Tetons at the Anderson family reunion. It was a cherished tradition in our family. A true outdoorsman, Russell loved fishing, camping, and seemed most at home in nature. The times in the Tetons were deeply meaningful to him and he rarely missed a year of fun times with his loved ones.

Russell showed his love through steady devotion and quiet acts of service, always willing to lend a hand or show up when needed. He was a fierce friend, and if you were on the receiving end of his friendship, you had a loyal supporter for life. His greatest joy was being a father, and he was deeply devoted to his son, Koda Trail Bowen. From the day Koda was born, they were rarely apart. Russell found meaning in being present for Koda each day, and the bond they shared was one of deep love, trust, and loyalty.

Russell was preceded in death by his parents, Gerwin and Venese Bowen. He is survived by his son Koda Bowen, his step daughter Serenity Rae Mathews, his siblings: David (Cindy) Bowen, Eva Bowen Sommer, Elaine (Curtis) Carter, Carl Bowen, and Marla Bowen (Trina Gonzalez), as well as many cherished nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and beloved friends.

A funeral service will be held on January 21, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at the LDS Church 2040 Brentwood Drive, Idaho Falls, Idaho. A virtual link is posted here. In lieu of flowers, we are gathering donations to support Koda during this transition at: https://www.venmo.cohttps://www.venmo.com/u/Support4-Kodam/u/Support4-Koda

Russell will be deeply missed by all who knew him and lovingly remembered for his gentle heart, his loyalty, and the quiet way he showed up for those he cared about.