Wesley Blake Bowen, 33, a resident of Dothan, passed away on, Friday, January 30, 2026, in Dothan.
Blake was born July 28, 1992, in Dothan to Leonard Carlton Bowen & Vicki Odom Prickett. A proud 2011 graduate of Rehobeth High School, Blake’s work ethic was evident early on. Following graduation, he attended Lineman School at Wallace Community College, a foundation that led to a dedicated 9 ½-year career at Farley Nuclear Plant. There, he served as a skilled Refueling Technician with Dry Cask Storage.
While his days were spent in the nuclear industry, Blake’s entrepreneurial spirit flourished in the local community. He was a visionary real estate developer, owning and operating Bowen Estates, Next Level Real Estate, Bowen & Green Properties, and Newton Creek Properties.
Blake’s true first love, however, was found in the red clay and the roar of an engine. A dirt track racing enthusiast since he was a small boy, Blake famously built his first car and competed in his first race at just 12 years old. Over the years, he raced various car classes across Alabama, Georgia, Florida, and Mississippi, earning a reputation as a fierce and respected competitor.
His commitment to the sport went beyond the driver’s seat. In February 2020, Blake brought racing back to his community by reopening Dothan Motor Speedway in Cottonwood after it had sat dormant for a decade. Opening to a sell-out crowd, he served as the promoter for two years, revitalizing the track for a new generation of fans.
Blake’s final chapters in racing were marked by triumph. He won his last two races at his home track, Dothan Motor Speedway racing sprint and non-wing cars, and recently made local history in November 2025 by winning the first-ever Figure 8 Demolition Derby at the National Peanut Festival.
Blake became curious about taking to the skies as a young man. After his father earned his license and owned a plane Blake continuously told his father that he would do the same, and if you know Blake when he says it, he DOES it. He walked into ACOM Aviation with his mind set on a goal and the rest was history. He earned his pilot certificate in no time and began flying. Blake being the man he was and taking everything to the max he ended up buying a “project plane” and worked hard to turn it into one of the cleanest and most advanced Piper Cherokee Six’s on the market. He flew the plane on multiple adventures including vacations to the Florida Keys and the Bahamas, as well as races and Brailynn’s volleyball tournaments. His kind heart even flew a family in need all the way to Pittsburgh and back to assure their young baby boy could get the care he needed. Blake had a curiosity that turned into a love and a passion for flying. A truly good man and a true aviator indeed.
He is preceded by his grandparents, Wallace & Mable Odom, and Sonny & Patricia Bowen.
He is survived by his wife of almost 10 years, Allison Kay Bowen; his two daughters, Brailynn Kay Bowen, and Brynlee Grace Bowen; his parents, Vicki & Terry Prickett, and Leonard & Jan Bowen; his three sisters, Erica Weller (Mathew), Shannon Garber (Jamie), and Robin Prickett; his four brothers, Patrick Prickett, Ryan Schueler, Blair Schueler, and Chase Schueler; his sister-in-law, Ann Marie Cook; his special nephews, Beauden Weller, Harrison Weller, Trotter Cook, Joshua & Jacob Herevia; and several aunts, uncles, cousins, and many friends.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, February 7, 2026, at Watermark Church in Ashford with Reverend Jerry Smith, Pastor Kevin Dixon, and Chaplain John Gormley officiating. Burial will follow in Crestlawn Memorial Cemetery with Glover Funeral Home directing.
The family will receive friends the night prior from 4:00 until 6:00 p.m., Friday, February 6, 2026, at Watermark Church in Ashford.
Flowers will be accepted or memorial contributions may be made to, Pilots for Christ, P.O. Box 707, Monroeville, AL 36460, or Wiregrass Angel House, 105 N. Bell Street, Dothan, AL 36303.
Serving as pallbearers, JayPaul Odom, AL Johns, Nick Green, Cameron Henderson, Tyler Wolters, Trey Johnson, Brannon Arnett, Dwayne Harry, and Blair Schueler.
Glover Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements. (334) 699-3888.
In the face of low commodity prices and an uncertain agricultural market, Wicksburg farmer Bryan Carpenter continues to rely on faith to guide him and his family farm.
Carpenter operates JBC Farms, a multigenerational operation that has produced peanuts, cotton, corn, and cattle for decades. After losing his father in 2017, Carpenter took on greater responsibility, eventually managing the farm on his own by 2023 while his brother moved into the restaurant business.
During the winter months, Carpenter sells leftover corn and grain for animal feed while planning for the upcoming planting season — a task made more difficult as prices remain low.
“Nobody wants to work and not make money,” Carpenter said. “You’re trying to make the best investment you can.”
Despite the challenges, Carpenter says farming is a privilege rooted in faith.
“I pray, I plant, and I pray,” he said. “If I do my part, I believe God will do His.”
This spring, Carpenter plans to add soybeans to his crop rotation as he continues working the land that has sustained his family for generations.
A Houston Academy standout is taking the next step in her athletic career.
Senior goalkeeper Maggie Renshaw officially signed her letter of intent Monday, committing to continue her soccer career with the Faulkner Eagles.
Renshaw said her decision was influenced by the university’s close proximity to home as well as the school’s faith-based mission, which she says aligns with her personal beliefs.
The Eagles are adding a proven defensive force. During her career with the Houston Academy Raiders, Renshaw recorded more than 400 saves while allowing just 72 goals, starting all 72 games she appeared in.
Houston Academy is scheduled to open the 2026 season on February 5 against the Andalusia Bulldogs.
DOTHAN: 2:26 PM The victim in the murder this morning in the 2700 block of Ross Clark Circle is identified as 33 year old Blake Bowen.
Blake is a Rehobeth High School graduate. Blake is married with two daughters. He has been a very successful businessman in B0wen Estates Real Estate Development business. He developed and owned several real estate ventures to include areas on Flournoy Moore Road in Hodgesville and on Johnny Murphy Road in Rehobeth.
Blake was an avid racer seen a lot at Cottonwood Dragway. He had taken his pilot license and enjoyed his hobby of flying.
He worked hard everyday and worked hard to be successful. Liked by all who knew him and was a devoted husband and father.
In his high school years Blake was friends with my children and was often with us at the lake. Always polite and fun to be around in his high school years. He and I last talked on June 26, 2025 at 3:16 PM according to my call history. A very polite and respectful young man.
ASHFORD: 08:27 AM. A Houston County Sheriff Deputy came up on a three vehicle accident with reported critical injuries, Highway 84 East and Crosby Road.
Houston County 911 dispatched Ashford Police, Ashford Fire and Ashford Rescue.
There was heavy damage. The accident involved a small Subaru truck, a Dodge truck and a regular pickup truck.
Two Ashford Rescue units responded. All patients were ambulatory on arrival of emergency units. Ashford Rescue transported one patient.
Ashford Police is in charge of accident investigation.
A coalition of Alabama dentists and dental students is calling on state lawmakers to reform the dental insurance system, warning that current practices are failing patients and threatening access to care across the state.
More than 50 dental practitioners and students gathered outside the Alabama State Capitol this week to advocate for legislation they say would put patient care ahead of insurance company profits.
“Alabama is in a crisis,” said Heath Padgett, an orthodontic resident at UAB, citing concerns over how dental insurance premiums are currently used.
Advocates argue that unlike medical insurance, dental insurers in Alabama are not required to spend a minimum percentage of premium dollars on patient care. As a result, they say patients are often left paying out of pocket or delaying necessary dental treatment.
“Our patients are asking a simple, fair question,” said Dr. Jennifer Doobrow, president of the Alabama Dental Association. “Why isn’t my dental insurance working the way I need it to and the way I expect it to?”
According to organizers, the system also discourages new dentists from opening practices in Alabama, contributing to growing gaps in care — particularly in rural areas.
Padgett noted that 24 Alabama counties are at risk of losing significant dental services in the near future. Fifteen counties reportedly have dental workforces where at least half of practicing dentists are age 60 or older. Four counties have all dentists over 60, and three counties currently have no dentists at all.
Advocates are urging lawmakers to pass House Bill 212 and Senate Bill 81, which would require dental insurers to spend at least 75% of individual plan premiums and 83% of group plan premiums on patient care.
“This bill is so important,” said Peyton Billingsley, a fourth-year dental student. “It would allow me to care for patients the way I’ve been trained, without unnecessary financial barriers. It means entering a system focused on health, not profits.”
Supporters emphasize that the proposed legislation would not increase premiums or reduce benefits for patients.
Both bills have been referred to their respective insurance committees and are awaiting further action during the current legislative session.
