Sam Lee Bowen

BURLEY - Our beloved Sam Lee Bowen, 38, unexpectedly returned home to his loving Heavenly Father on Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2014.

Sam was born Aug. 22, 1976, in Burley, Idaho, to Bruce Glen and Kathryn (Rhees) Bowen. Sam attended Declo Elementary, Declo Jr. High and Declo High School from which he graduated in 1994. Sam went on to further his education at Utah State University where he spent a year studying diesel mechanics. In October of 1995, he traveled to Birmingham, England, to serve his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on a two year LDS mission. Upon returning home in October of 1997, he knew that his first love was farming. He wanted to follow in his father’s and grandfather’s footsteps and so his choice was made and he became the farmer that he had always wanted to be.

Prior to serving his mission, Sam had developed a close relationship in high school with his future eternal companion, Heather Pickup. They were high school sweethearts and on May 22, 1998, Sam married his true love in the Logan Utah LDS Temple. Sam and Heather have been blessed with two great children, Will and Lucy.

Sam was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served faithfully in many callings which included Elders Quorum counselor, assistant Scout Master, and currently was teaching Primary. He really loved his Primary class.

Sam was a wonderful son, brother, husband, and father. He was also a friend to all that he came in contact with and he will truly be missed by those who knew him.

Sam is survived in this life by his loving wife, Heather; his two children, a son, Will, and a daughter, Lucy, all of Burley; his parents, Bruce Glen and Kathryn (Rhees) Bowen of Burley; a brother, Kelly (Carrie) Bowen of Burley; a sister, Stacy (Matt) Redd of Woods Cross, Utah; and grandmother, Vernice Rhees of Mesa, Arizona. He is also survived in death by his father and mother-in-law, Reed and Coleen Pickup; and his wife’s brothers and sisters, Westy (Chris) Pickup of Burley, Lori (Dan) Robinson of Wyoming, Angie (Blaine) Hamblin of Utah, Travis (Chelsea) Pickup of Utah, Justin (Amanda) Pickup of Utah, Shane (Katherine) Pickup of Washington, Chad Pickup of Utah, Cody Pickup of Idaho, and Dallis Pickup, currently serving a mission in California.

Sam was preceded in death by a grandfather, Willard Bowen; a grandmother, Elma (Crane) Bowen; and a grandfather, R.J. "Bud" Rhees.

We would like to thank the first responders and medical professionals that attended to Sam in his time of need.

The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, at the Springdale LDS Church, 519 E. 200 S., of Burley, with President Jack Hunsaker presiding, and Bishop Gregg Harman conducting. Burial will be in the View Cemetery.

Friends may call from 6 until 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 17, at the Rasmussen Funeral Home, 1350 E. 16th St., in Burley, and from 10 until 10:45 a.m. Saturday at the church.