WALDO — Richard Earl Bowden Sr., best known as Sonny, 84, went home to rest in the arms of his Saviour. Through all his struggles he remained the guiding light for his entire family. Born in Winn on Sept. 1, 1930, he was the son of Warren M. and Mary Ella (Miller) Bowden of Winterport.

At the age of 17, he started sweeping floors at Em Bee Cleaners in Winterport and soon worked his way into every aspect of the business. After the company moved to Belfast in 1957, he moved as well, by now an integral part of Em Bee. He took on two other jobs part-time at Morrill General Store and the Morrill Elementary School to support his growing family of five children. He purchased the business in 1969 and then added Baldwin Drycleaners and Coastal Cleaners in Camden to the fold. Em Bee Cleaners’ territory stretched from Boothbay to Deer Isle/Stonington at his retirement in 1997. Even after that he was a constant presence until Em Bee Cleaners closed in 2010.

On June 9, 1951, Richard married Janet Patricia Mitchell in Hampden. For many years they worked day and night while raising their five children. Some of those children were known to be put down for naps in the hampers while their parents worked. Richard and Janet even celebrated one anniversary eating pizza while continuing to press clothes in order to get the deliveries out on time.

Richard was known for his crisp white shirts and the sharp creases in his pants. He was even featured on WABI TV as the region's best "sharp dressed man." He was a perfectionist, devoted to his work, quiet spoken, with a sharp wit and dry sense of humor. Em Bee became known as a stopping off place to get a few words of wisdom, always a listening ear and a helping hand if he deemed it necessary. He helped many get back on their feet.

In Richard's spare time he loved being at home with his wife and family. He received so much pleasure from mowing his lawns and fields and cutting and splitting his own firewood. He and Janet even painted their entire 2-story home last summer. He was so proud of that. He and Janet also wove their magic when together on the dance floor. It was a sight to behold.

Surviving is his beloved wife of 64 years, Janet Bowden of Waldo; five children, Teresa Lewis of Edgewater, Fla., Connie Sarnacki and her husband, Peter of Searsport, Richard E. Bowden Jr. and his wife, Tina, and Michael W. Bowden and his wife, Deborah, all of Waldo; Douglas M. Bowden of Belfast; nine grandchildren, Steven, Kathleen, Brendyn, Aaron, Rick, Diahanne, Ty, Tara and Britney; seven great-grandchildren; his brother, Larry (Paula) Bowden of Holden; his sister, Beulah Frazier of Sullivan; his sister-in-law, Constance (Thomas) Newman of Southwest Harbor; his brother-in-law, Dennis (Jean) Mitchell of Waldo; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

A funeral service was held July 11 at the Belfast United Methodist Church, 23 Mill Lane in Belfast with the Rev. Jinwoo Chun officiating. Burial followed in Oak Hill Cemetery in Winterport.

Memorial gifts may be made to Hospice Volunteers of Waldo County, P.O. Box 772, Belfast, ME 04915.

Arrangements are with Long funeral Home.