Frank L. Bowles

Frank L. Bowles Dr. Frank L. Bowles, 87, of Draper died Saturday, Aug. 15, 2009, at Pulaski Health & Rehab Center in Pulaski. A graveside service will be held Wednesday, Aug. 19, at 10 a.m. at the Black Lick Cemetery with the Rev. Edward Schaack officiating. American Legion Post 229 will conduct graveside military rites. He was born March 27, 1922, in Mushegon, Mich., son of the late Mac George and Ione Gilness Bowles. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1942 and was a demolition expert in the 506th Parachute Infantry of the 101st Airborne Division. After recovering from losing an eye in a training exercise in England, he participated in the battles and campaigns in Normandy, Northern France, Ardennes, Rhineland and Central Europe. He received the World War II Victory Ribbon, Croix de Guerre, Distinguished Unit Badge, European African Middle Eastern Service Ribbon and Belgium Fouragere. He received an honorable discharge on Dec. 6, 1945. He earned his bachelor of science degree at Glenville State College in West Virginia, his master's degree at Marshall University in West Virginia and a doctorate of education at the University of Florida. He taught and coached at the secondary levels in West Virginia and Florida and served as Director of Special Education for the City of Austin, Texas, School District before accepting the position of chairman of the Special Education Department at Radford College in 1969. Upon his retirement, Radford University awarded him faculty emeritus status. His hobbies included golf and weaving. He was a 50-year member of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge A.F. & A.M. of the State of West Virginia with a 32nd Degree. He was preceded in death by his sisters, Carol, Claire and Ellen. Survivors include his wife, Barbara B. Bowles; a brother, John Bowles; two daughters, Kathy Bowles and Karen Bowles; a son, Mac Bowles; and two grandchildren, Kaitlyn and Jason Bowles. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Black Lick Cemetery Fund, c/o Mary N. Cassell, 202 St. Luke's Road, Wytheville, VA 24382; or charity of choice. Stevens Funeral Home in Pulaski is in charge of the arrangements.