WWII U.S. Army PFC Sanford Keith Bowen, of Ashland County, entered the US Army in January 1942. While attempting to secure terrain in France, Bowen’s unit was attacked by heavy German forces; only two men from his company made it out alive. At the age of 26, PFC Bowen was killed in action on January 20th,1945, but due to dangerous conditions, his remains could not be returned home to his loved ones.
After 77 years, and much research, Sanford Bowen’s remains are finally coming home to rest. This evening, PFC Keith Bowen’s casket will arrive at John Hopkins Cleveland Airport for a private family ceremony at 6:40 p.m. Following the ceremony, the Ohio State Highway Patrol will lead the procession, via Interstate 71 to US 250. Once in Ashland County, the Ashland County Sheriff’s Deputies will join the procession to escort PFC Keith Bowen’s casket to Denbow-Gasche Funeral Home, located at 313 Center St. in Ashland, arriving around 8:00 p.m.
They are asking the public to line the streets anywhere from U.S. Route 250, near I-71, all the way to Main St. and Center St., and up Center St. to the Denbow-Gasche Funeral Home, to welcome our hero home. The Ashland Fire Department will set up one of their Fire Trucks (Tower50) with a large hanging flag at the arch coming into downtown, at Main & Union Streets. Historian, Ken Hammontree, dressed as General Dwight Eisenhower and Kevin Taylor, Loudonville Chief of Police, dressed as a WWII major will stand at attention and give military salute. Ashland Veteran’s Honor Guard will conduct full military honors following a prayer service.
If you can, come out to welcome home Army PFC Sanford Keith Bowen, and say thank you for his service to our Country.