Dear Dad, you are loved and missed. You have been a strong influence in my life, having taught me values, right from wrong, the importance of hard work and love. I didn't always listen but know that your guidance was not lost on me. I love you and you'll be with me always.
Brenda Rydene
September 05, 2015 | Port St Lucie, FL
I appreciate Mr. Bowman's civil and military service contributions toward making this country a great one.
Lois Watson
September 04, 2015 | Elkton, VA
On behalf of my Mother, Beverly Snyder Gregory, my wife Helen Madine Gregory, and all of my children, we send our sincere condolences and am proud to acknowledge our cousin Ed's life and contributions to society. Thank you for your service Ed. Linnie Gregory Fincastle, VA.
Liniel Gregory
September 04, 2015 | Fincastle, VA
Edward Bertel Bowman Sr., 87, formerly of Harrisonburg, died peacefully at Centralia Manor Nursing Home in Centralia, Illinois, where he had been a patient since 2009. Born on June 6, 1928 in Harrisonburg, he was the older of two sons born to the late Doris Richards and Cletus B. Bowman.He entered military service in the United States Navy in the summer of 1945 as a Seaman Recruit. Upon subsequent enlistment in the Army, he completed Airborne training and various computer schools. He completed his distinguished military career by achieving the rank of Chief Master Sergeant (E9) in the United States Air Force. He was instrumental in pioneering data processing systems in the Air Force beginning in the late 1950?s and continuing until his retirement in 1969. Having been awarded numerous commendation medals during his military career, he served our country in Japan, Germany, Okinawa, and Hawaii, in addition to various stateside bases to include Bolling AFB in Washington, D. C. and Langley AFB in Hampton-Newport News, Virginia. He was a skilled and avid chess player, taking second place in the United States Air Force Chess Championship in 1968.After retirement from the military at the age of forty-one, he enjoyed extensive travel and engaged in various business ventures. He eventually settled in Dix, Illinois in 1990 where he lived a quiet and peaceful life on a small farm. In 2009, he suffered a brain injury from a fall and was lovingly cared for over the next six years by many wonderful and dedicated health care givers.He is survived by four daughters, Terri Whetzel of Tarpon Springs, Florida; Linda Tobin of Verona; Carolyn Smith and husband Kenneth of Harrisonburg; and, Brenda Rydene of Port St. Lucie, Florida. He is also survived by one son, Edward Bertel Bowman, Jr. and wife Lisa of Eagle, Idaho. In addition to his children, he is survived by nine grandchildren, fourteen great-grandchildren, and a number of nieces and nephews. He also had a very special friend, Charles Quarles, of Centralia, Illinois who thought of him as a father and continued to visit him regularly while confined to the nursing home.In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Sandra Szelagiewicz, and his younger brother, Robert Bowman. Family and friends may visit anytime on Friday, September 4, 2015 at Kyger Funeral Home in Harrisonburg. A military graveside service will be officiated by Dr. John F. Sloop at Resthaven Memorial Gardens in Harrisonburg at 11:00 AM on Saturday, September 5, 2015. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Air Force Memorial Foundation, One Air Force Memorial Drive, Arlington, VA 22204.
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