Frank Westley Bowden

1936 - 2014

BOWDEN, Frank Westley Passed away September 30, 2014 at home with his family, including his wife Barbara of almost 50 years, by his side. Frank was born October 18, 1936 in Jacksonville, FL. Growing up in a military family; he lived in 18 different locations throughout the United States before he graduated from Landon High School, Jacksonville, in 1953. He served four years in the U.S. Air Force where he was introduced to computers and telemetry. Frank graduated from the University of Florida with a degree in Electrical Engineering and a minor in Computer Science. During the 1960's, Frank worked for NASA on the Apollo Space Program at Kennedy Space Center. His time with NASA fostered his love of space and exploration which he continued to study and follow throughout the years. In 1969, Frank joined Hewlett Packard as a Systems Analyst in Atlanta and then moved into their sales division. In 1973, he joined Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC) where he remained until his retirement in 1994 as Vice President of Sales. Frank is survived by his wife, Barbara of whom Frank said "When I met her, I thought I'd found the love of my life. Now I know it." He is also survived by a daughter, Kimberly Bowden Austin, Tampa, FL, a son, David C. Bowden, Carrollton, TX, a grandson, Bradley C. Bowden, a brother-in-law, Gordon Bradley and his wife, Kathleen of Memphis, two nephews, Matthew Bradley and Scott Bradley, Scott's wife, Melinda and their son, Milo, and Frank's dog Sugar who remained his loving and faithful companion. He was preceded in death by his father, Frank W. Bowden Sr. and his mother, and step-father, Marguerite and Lawrence Leeper. The family wishes to thank the staff of Baylor Carrollton Hospital and VITAS Hospice for their care and support. A special thank you to Dr. Anil Bhogaraju, with Texas Oncology, for his loving guidance and understanding. In accordance with Frank's wishes, a private graveside service was held for the family on Friday, October 3rd. Instead of flowers, donations may be made to Operation Kindness, Collin County Children's Advocacy Center or a charity of your choice.