Oscar "Cleve" Bowden, Jr.

Oscar Cleveland “Cleve” Bowden, Jr., 80, of Phenix City, AL died while at the Oaks at Grove Park, Columbus, GA.

Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 PM (EST) on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, in the Chapel of Vance Brooks Funeral Home, in Phenix City, AL with Rev. Bud Ruppell officiating. Interment will follow in Lakeview Memory Gardens. The family will receive friends from 1:00 PM until the funeral hour on Tuesday at the funeral home.

Mr. Bowden was born July 27, 1945, in Columbus, GA, son of the late Oscar Cleveland Bowden, Sr. and Hazel Miller Bowden. He was a member of Evangel Church, Columbus, GA where he worshiped with family and friends. Mr. Bowden was married to Era Bowden happily together for over 40 years. Mr. Bowden was a Registered Nurse and retired from St. Francis Hospital where he worked in ICU. He loved his work and found great satisfaction in helping others to heal. When Mr. Bowden was not working and enjoying time with family, he enjoyed saltwater fishing in Orange Beach, AL, watching the Auburn Tigers Football, and traveling with is beloved wife and grandchildren was always on the agenda. They often went to the beach or the mountains for vacations or just to spend a couple of days together. He was always excited to spend time with his grandchildren, they seemed to stay with Yaya and Weerie (Era) more in the summer months than at home enjoying the pool, cookouts, and fishing!

We will remember him as a loving husband, father and “Yaya”. He was always considerate of others and had a servant’s heart. He will always be cherished in our hearts.

Mr. Bowden was preceded in death by his parents Oscar and Hazel Bowden; siblings. Donald G. Nolan and Jessi Joe Steetman.

Survivors include his wife of 45 years, Era Conger Bowden; daughter, Hazel Danielle Bowden; two stepsons, Kevin Slay and Brian Slay (Anna); brother, Michael S. Bowden (Debbie); grandchildren, Elizabeth “Ellie” Farrar(Justin), Cassie Bell, Ashley Slay, Jaden Slay and Jonah Slay; two precious great-grandchildren, Clara and Evie Farrar; nieces, nephews and friends.

The family wishes to say a special thank you to the team at the Oaks at Grove Park for their tender care and attention.