Steve R. Bowden

Steve R. Bowden of Hayden, AL, was born on January 16th, 1948, passed away on July 14th, 2026. He was a long-time resident of Blount County, Alabama and was devoted to his family, friends and his Lord Jesus Christ. He was a 1966 graduate of Trussville High School, University of Alabama Law Enforcement Academy, UAB School of Applied Sciences, and Alabama Fire College Hazardous Materials Instructor School.

He was instrumental in the organization, training and certifying many fire departments and firefighters within the State of Alabama. He worked 32 years with the Alabama Forestry Commission and 15 years as a State Law Enforcement Officer. He was humble and proud of what he was able to accomplish within this time and even after his retirement from the Alabama Forestry Commission he continued to push for fire and EMS coverage for his beloved state. He was also one of the founding members of Alabama Wildland Urban Interface. He received numerus awards and accolades during his service to people of Alabama. He was also a longstanding member of The Sons of the American Legion Post 255 Fultondale, AL.

He knew what he wanted to do in life and accomplished more than most do in two lifetimes. He had a very strong and dedicated work ethic and expected others to do the same. It was FULL Throttle all the time. He died the way he lived, in charge, strong willed and with a never quit attitude. He fought his disease the same way that he lived, he wanted to beat it even though he knew that it was going to be terminal. He made the decision to donate his brain to the Mayo Clinic for continued research and hopefully to help someone else, so they would not have to endure what he had.

He was predeceased by his parents, Mack A. Bowden, Sr. and Dorothy Bowden Crowe, and brother, Mack A. Bowden, Jr. He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Mary E. Bowden, two daughters, Stephanie M. Marsh (Kenneth) and Windy B. Ridgeway (Jeffery) , five grandchildren, Elizabeth Walsh (Michael), Keith Marsh, Krysti Marsh, Madeline Ridgeway and Natalie Ridgeway and eight great- grandchildren, which he cherished and adored. He is also survived by his brother John F. Bowden and sister Sandra L. Box (Stuart) along with Aunts, Uncle, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Pallbearers are family members and friends; honorary pallbearers are local firefighters and Alabama Forestry Commission personnel.

Dedication of Life Service will be held on Monday July 20, 2026 at 3:00PM at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home, Trussville, Alabama with Dr. Gary Fisher and Bro. Richard Stryker officiating. Burial Honors will be conducted by West Blount Fire & EMS District and the Alabama Forestry Commission to follow in the adjoining gardens. Visitation will be held from 2:00PM to 3:00PM in the Chapel prior to the service.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Alabama Hospice Care - Trussville for their love and dedication taking care of Steve for the last year and a half. In lieu of flowers. The family asks for donations to Cornerstone Caregiving, Cullman, AL and CurePSP.org for research and cure of CBD.