Mathew Bowen Johnson Sr.

A family and friends gathering for Bowen will be held Friday, January 22, 2021 from 12:00 pm to 1:45 pm at Memorial Funeral Home. Celebration of Life Service for Mathew Bowen Johnson, Sr., 77, are set for 2:00 pm Friday at Memorial Funeral Home with Rev. Roger McGraw, Rev. Josh Hodum and Rev. Joe Landrum officiating, with burial in the Henry Cemetery.

Bowen died January 16, 2021 at Magnolia Regional Health Center. He was born April 4, 1943 in Brownwood, TX to the late John Strong Bowen and Irene Johnson. He was a graduate of Provine High School where he was an Eagle Scout and graduate of MS College, having taught school at Provine before joining the FBI in 1968. Over the years he was instrumental in forming the FBI’s hostage rescue team and was a commander of the FBI’s swat team for Mississippi. He also was the pilot in command for Mississippi before retiring. During his law enforcement career, he was always bettering others in training. Bowen was Director of the Northeast MS Law Enforcement Training Center in Corinth.

He and Phyllis moved to Corinth in 2002, where they attended First United Methodist Church. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. Bowen was a true American Patriot.

He is preceded in death by his parents.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Phyllis Williams Johnson; son, Dr. Mathew B. Johnson, Jr. (Dena); daughter, Leigh Gardecki; brother, Lyle Johnson; grandchildren, Madeleine Gardecki, Hannah Johnson, Molly Johnson, Patrick Gardecki, Mary Morgan Gardecki and Cora Johnson; and host of other family and friends.

Pallbearers: David Arnold, Tom Carter, Ladd Dilworth, Orin Fuelling, Steve Hunt, Tom Long, Lent Rice, and Major Treadway.

Contributions in Bowen's memory may be made to First United Methodist Church of Corinth, MS.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.memorialcorinth.com for the Johnson family.

Arrangements are under the care of Memorial Funeral Home.