Maurice Richard “Bemo” Bowen, Jr. passed away on Sunday, June 30.
Born November 21, 1939, in Vicksburg, Mississippi to Maurice Richard Bowen, Sr. and Frances Delores Seymour.
Survived by his wife, Mary Keith Hampton Bowen, of 63 years, daughter Jane Hampton Bowen (Tom Kale) and brother James Dewitt Bowen (Valerie King).
Maurice attended Marion County High School (class of 1957), graduated Middle Tennessee State University in 1961, received his J.D. from Vanderbilt School of Law in 1964, certifications from Harvard University Graduate School of Design in 1976 and attended The University of the South School of Theology in 2001.
After completing law school in 1964, Bemo joined the Chattanooga firm of Goins, Gammon, Baker & Robinson. In 1968, he joined Duncan, Bowen & Breazeale, where he was partner until 1972. Then from 1972 – 1974, Bemo was partner in the firm of Grant, Clements & Bowen. He then was Senior Vice President and Board Member for Hensley-Schmidt, Inc. (Professional Engineers), and serving as Board Member and Corporate Secretary for The Hensley-Schmidt/SNC Company (Process Design Engineers) (1978-1981). He was also Secretary and Board Member for A+E Design, Inc. (Architects & Engineers) (1978-1981). From 1982-1989, he served as President of Tandem International, Inc. (Development Consultants). In 1984-2001, he served as Chairman of Tantex, Inc. (Roadbuildings Suppliers). Lastly, in 1989, Maurice was of Counsel for the firm of Grant, Konvalinka & Harrison, P.C. and served in that capacity until he was diagnosed with cancer less than two years ago.
Maurice had many Licenses and Admissions. Several include Tennessee Trial and Appellate Courts, Tennessee Supreme Court, United States District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee, United States District Court for the Western District of Tennessee, United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, United States Court of Claims, United States Tax Court, and Rule 31 General Civil Mediator.
Maurice attended St. Paul’s Episcopal Church where he had served as Senior Warden, Chancellor, Vestryman, Chair of Hansell King Music Endowment, Capital Projects Committee, and chaired discernment committees.
Politically, Maurice was active on the Hamilton County Democratic Executive Committee, Precinct Chair for Tyner and Summit, Campaign Advanceman for Frank G. Clement for Governor, Campaign Speakers Committee for Buford Ellington for Governor, Chicago Democratic National Convention Delegate-at Large (1968), New York City Democratic National Convention (1980), Chair of the Hamilton County for Hubert Humphrey Presidential Campaign, Co-Chair of the Finance Committee for John Jay Hooker for Governor, and Treasurer of the Committee to Elect Russell Gilbert for City Council.
Maurice was a member of the National Eagle Scout Association, Boy Scouts of America, National Society Sons of American Revolution, Tennessee Society Sons of American Revolution (John Sevier Chapter), General Society of the War of 1812, The Jamestown Society, The Longstreet Society, Fellow of the George Washington Education Foundation, The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, Vanderbilt Alumni Association, American Bar Association, Tennessee Roadbuilder’s Association, National Council of State Governments, American Motorcyclist Association, BMW Riders Association, Hidden Lake Rod & Gun Club, Mountain City Club, Chattanooga Golf & Country Club, The Walden Club (Board of Directors), Chattanooga Bach Choir Board of Directors, Hamilton County Industrial Board of Directors, Brainerd Kiwanis Club, St. Matthew’s Shelter for Homeless Men, and In-As-Much Mission, Inc. Board of Directors.
Services will be at St. Paul’s Episcopal at 11 a.m. on Friday, July 12, with visitation one-hour prior in the Ava Wright Room.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Maurice Bowen’s honor may be made to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church or to any other charity of your choosing.
Arrangements are by Heritage Funeral Home, 7454 East Brainerd Road, Chattanooga, TN 37421.
The Marion Tribune – July 11, 2024
