Steven Bowen

Steven William Bowen, 74, of Cedar City, Utah, passed away peacefully on June 9, 2025. He was born July 31, 1950, in Van Nuys, California, to William Edward and Claudia Broadhead Bowen.
Steven was a skilled craftsman whose canvas was leather. He took pride in embracing the cowboy legacy by creating lasting works of functional art that would endure with purpose. As a graduate of Carpinteria High School, he continued his studies at California Polytechnic State University. A lifetime entrepreneur, Steven proudly owned Bowen Ironworks and later S.W.
Bowen Saddlery. He served Cedar City, Utah and beyond through his artistry and craftsmanship. His later years were spent in his workshop alongside Gigi, his trusted four-legged foreman, doing what he loved—creating high quality leather goods and building custom saddles for his community.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Jeni Hamel Brown-Bowen (2022), and his parents, William Edward (2000) and Claudia Broadhead Bowen (2001).
Steven is survived by his son, Michael Richard Bowen, who resides in Jacksonville, Florida, and five grandchildren: Madelyn Francis, Makenna Lynn, Maya Ryan, Maddox William, and Maris Carter. He is also survived by his sister Susan Kesteleyn (Donald), sister Joelene “Toots” Bowen, and twin brothers Joel Bowen (Ronda) and David Bowen (Kerry).
A devoted father and grandfather, Steven will be remembered fondly as a skilled artisan with a deep love for outfitting horses and the cowboys who rode them. His commitment to preserving Western heritage extended beyond his craft—he served as a Director on the Santa Barbara Carriage and Western Art Museum Board, helping to collect and preserve historic saddles and
horse-drawn vehicles. An avid outdoorsman, Steven also enjoyed shooting sporting clays.
Steven’s circle of friends was small, but the bonds he shared were deep and lasting. The family extends special thanks to Shane Flanigan and David McMullin for their friendship and support. Steven was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served an honorable mission in Arizona and Las Vegas from 1969-1971. Throughout his life, he magnified many callings including Counselor in the Bishopric, Elders Quorum President, High Priest Group President, Gospel Doctrine Teacher, and Stake President for Young Single Adults and Single Adults in the Santa Barbara Stake. Memorial services celebrating his life will be held Tuesday, June 24, 2025 at 11am at the Cedarview Ward (1925 West 320 South, Cedar City, UT). Interment will be in the Cedar City Cemetery (685 N Main St, Cedar City, UT), under the direction of Cedar Valley Funeral. Online condolences can be sent at https://cedarvalleyfuneral.com/obituaries

“And my heart is sinking like the setting sun. Setting on the things I wish I’d done. Oh, the last goodbye’s the hardest one to say. This is where the cowboy rides away” –George Strait, “The Cowboy Rides Away”