Former NC state Rep. Ed Bowen dead at age 85

HARRELLS, N.C. -- Former North Carolina state Rep. Ed Bowen has died. A Sampson County funeral home and the House clerk says Bowen died Sunday at age 85 at his home in Harrells. He served in the state House from 1981 to 1984 and from 1987 to 1996. Bowen was a co-owner of a farming and poultry production company before he retired. He also served in the Merchant Marines during World War II. He is survived by his wife, five children, seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Bowen's funeral will be Wednesday afternoon at Siloam Baptist Church. (Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)