Kelly Layne Bowen

Kelly Layne Bowen, 66, of Hannibal, MO passed away at 3:37 PM, Monday, June 17, 2024, at University of Iowa Hospital and Clinic in Iowa City, IA.

Friends and Family are invited to Kelly's Life Celebration at a visitation that will be from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, Tuesday, July 2, 2024, at James O'Donnell Funeral Home in Hannibal, MO.

Kelly was born on September 4, 1957 in Hannibal, MO to John "Red" Bowen and Johnna Schadey Bowen.

Survivors include his wife, Kelly J. Bowen of Hannibal, MO; one brother, John Wayne Bowen of Breese, IL; a special nephew, Jesse Bowen, great nephew, Cameron Bowen both of Hannibal, MO;  his mother-in-law, Vada McChristian of Hannibal, MO, and two brothers -in-law:  Jerry McChristian of Hannibal, MO and Jeff McChristian (Heather) of Palmyra, MO.  Kelly is also survived by a good friend, Danny Seabaugh and many other friends and extended family that will greatly miss Kelly.

Kelly was preceded in death by his daughter, Shannon K. Bowen; his parents; and his two brothers:  John "Rusty" Bowen II and Terrill "Terry" Bowen.

Kelly retired from the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad.

Kelly was a local motocross and dirt bike legend. It would be hard to find someone that raced motocross in the last 50+ years that did not know Kelly Bowen #985. As a teenager, he received the "Rider of The Year" award in 1976 at Cycle World USA, a nationally known professional level track. Kelly was invited to Europe to go race against the best in the world , including Holland, Belgium and the Netherlands. He enjoyed making the trip down to Florida to race some of the fastest riders in the country at the Florida Winter Series. Many will remember the numerous times watching #985 start backwards against all other riders and still come from behind to win.

Kelly was an organ donor, offering the gift of life to many others through his donation.

Kelly will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the family to assist with Kelly's medical expenses in care of the James O'Donnell Funeral Home.

Online condolences may be made and video tribute may be made at www.jamesodonnellfuneralhome.com