Bowen, Joaquin Dewayne

Joaquin Dewayne Bowen, 49, of Pulaski departed this life on Wednesday, June 28, 2017, at the Wake Forest Cancer Treatment Center in Winston-Salem, N.C., after a hard-fought battle against cancer, and with his loving wife perpetually at his side through it all.

Joaquin was born February 10, 1968, to Robert D. and Phyllis L. Bowen at Radford Hospital. The family moved from Blacksburg to Pearisburg in June, 1969 and Joaquin attended Giles County Public Schools from Kindergarten to his high school graduation in June, 1986. Following high school, Joaquin attended Radford University.

Joaquin worked for his parents’ business, The Music Shop in Blacksburg, for several years in the 80’s and 90’s, and in food services at Virginia Tech for a couple of years, but the bulk of his professional career was spent in building and developing the local Domino’s Pizza establishments. He worked in the Blacksburg, Christiansburg, Radford, Pulaski, and Princeton, W.Va. stores over the years, beginning as a driver and eventually earning his place in management.

Recurrent themes in the numerous social media memorial posts from the owner and co-workers of Team New River Valley Pizza include his wonderful laugh, his ready smile, his great kindness, his wonderful sense of humor, his helpfulness whenever and wherever possible, and his loyalty and dedication to the NRV Domino’s family.

Joaquin was instrumental in earning several accolades for these local businesses, including First Domestic Franchise to run with the Olympic Torch, 2 Gold Frannys, 2004 and 2016 Top 1% of Franchises in the World, and several local Chamber of Commerce Business and Service Awards.

In the Fall of 1990, Joaquin met his dearest love, Leanne, at Radford University, and she has been his greatest life treasure since. They married April 27, 2002, at the Best Western Red Lion Inn, in Blacksburg. They made their home in Blacksburg initially, then moved into their Pulaski home in 2006. They raised many cats and dogs through the years, most recently Joaquin’s beloved Bean the beagle, Annabelle the yellow lab, and Blue the golden retriever. Joaquin and Leanne also shared a love for all things Disney, Dr. Who, Star Trek, Stargate, Star Wars, and just about every other science fiction series and movie known. Joaquin was also an avid comic book collector since early childhood, and while he enjoyed all superheroes, he will always be remembered for his great love of all things Batman, from the Adam West television series in the 60’s to the latest editions from DC Comics, and everything in between.

Joaquin is survived by his devoted wife, Leanne Brownlee-Bowen of their home in Pulaski; his mother, Phyllis L. Bowen of Pearisburg; his brothers John A. Allen (Nancy) of Salem and J. Tracy Allen (Alice) of Pearisburg; his sisters Iva Jean Allen Van Hemert (John) of Pearisburg and Joaquita Bowen Martin (Bryan) of Chugiak, Alaska; his father-in-law and mother-in-law Art and Rita Brownlee of Pennsylvania; a brother-in-law, James Brownlee of Virginia Beach; several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews, for whom he enjoyed “uncling” whenever possible; and numerous extended family across the country. He was preceded in death by his father, Robert D. Bowen; and a nephew, Justin M. Van Hemert.

In accordance with Joaquin’s wishes, a private celebration in his honor was held. In lieu of flowers, his family requests donations for the SECU Family House at the Wake Forest Cancer Treatment Center in Winston-Salem, N.C.