INDIANAPOLIS
After a four-year courageous battle with brain cancer, Blake William Bowell went home to be with the Lord on Monday, June 5, 2017, at Methodist Hospital, Indianapolis.
Blake was born May 5, 1992, at Indiana University Hospital, Indianapolis.
From the time he was young, Blake displayed a unique sense of purpose and passion for life. These attributes were clearly center to him as he selflessly and without complaint fought a rare form of cancer to the very end.
Blake was first and foremost a friend. His smile was electrifying, and his loyalty was unwavering when it came to his faith, family, friends, the Cubs, the Bears, the Blackhawks and most of all “doggins” Sophie.
He was in every sense of the word an athlete. He enjoyed all sports but loved football and running. At Indianapolis’s Franklin Central High School, where he graduated in 2010, he lettered in both football and track and field.
His senior year, he was an All-State medalist in track, earned Academic All-State honors and was his team’s Mental Attitude Award winner.
Upon graduation, he attended the U.S. Naval Academy. It was his life’s dream to go to Annapolis, and he went there with a fearless ambition to serve his country.
While he was in the U.S. Navy, he earned a varsity spot on the track team and had the privilege to compete for the Midshipmen. Unfortunately, a serious injury while on military training forced him to take an honorable medical discharge with Veteran’s distinction.
He then took his dream to Murray State University with a re-focused vision on business. He joined the Phi Kappa Tau fraternity and began a new path, however, his cancer would soon arrive.
In the summer of 2013, life changed for Blake with seizures, surgeries, radiation, chemo and back-and-forth struggles, however, he never lost hope and his zest for life.
Blake enjoyed music… including Dave, Chicago, Steven Curtis Chapman and the Dead and Company with uncle Doug and Greg.
He was a gifted gamer and enjoyed sporting events and movies with anyone who would ask him to go.
He traveled to Europe and California, snorkeled the waters of the Caribbean, climbed a mountain in Arizona and hit the longest golf drive his dad ever saw.
While not in the battle, Blake found time to work at Garfield Park, at his parents’ company, Tesco, and even served as a “roadie” for Free but not Cheap.
He also dedicated himself to spreading the word on BlakeStrong and helped to raise thousands of dollars to support brain cancer families in need. He lived life to its fullest to the end with confidence in his God and Heaven’s home. Blake’s time on earth was too short, but his legacy will live on.
Blake is survived by his father, D. Mark Bowell (Kris Bowen), mother LeDania K. Carmichael (Dan); sister Lakin K. Bowell; stepsister, Kaley Carmichael, stepbrothers, Max Roberts, Jack Roberts and Kevin Carmichael; grandparents, David and Dale Bowell, Levoy and Grace Wallace, Bob and Terry Bowen and Lois Carmichael; aunt, Debbie Lieberman (Dennis) and uncle, Devin Wallace (Lynn); cousins, David Lieberman, D.J. Lieberman, Taylor Wallace Bell, Samuel Wallace and Benjamin Wallace; and godfather, Roger Stark. Further, he leaves behind numerous step-aunts, -uncles and cousins he so enjoyed.
The family wishes to thank the medical teams at IU Methodist Hospital, Columbus Regional Hospital and Northwestern Medical and Cancer Center. Special thanks to Dr.’s Wagner, Gondi, and Wilson for their care for Blake. Further, thanks to the Kammes family for their Chicago home and most of all love for Blake.
Funeral services will be conducted today with calling from 1 to 6:30 p.m. and a celebration of Life at 7 p.m. at The Creek (Indian Creek Christian Church), 6430 S. Franklin Road, Indianapolis. A graveside committal will be held at 11:30 a.m. Saturday at Crown Hill Cemetery (north of 38th Street), 700 W. 38th St., Indianapolis.
Funeral arrangements will be handled by Crown Hill Funeral Home and Cemetery, and in lieu of flowers please send contributions to the BlakeStrong Bowell Fund, P.O. Box 1692, Indianapolis, IN 46206.
