John Victor Bowman

HICKORY - John Victor "Vic" Bowman, 81, of Hickory, died Tuesday, May 20, 2008, at his residence. Mr. Bowman was born July 15, 1926, in Kennett Square, Pa., a son of the late Wilson Thompson and Vira Beatrice Richards Bowman. He retired in 1987 from Corning Inc., where he had served as the corporate risk manager for 30 years. Mr. Bowman was a graduate of Drexel University, a member of First Presbyterian Church in Hickory, a member of Corning-Painted Post, N.Y. Lodge 0168, F&AM and past president of the Catawba Valley Golden Kiwanis. He also served as treasurer on the CVCC Foundation Board. He served his country with the U.S. Navy during World War II and the Korean War as a Gunners Mate Second Class. Mr. Bowman is survived by his wife, Betty DeBorde Bowman; daughters, Karen Bowman Windate of Salisbury and Leslie Bowman Lemons and husband, Dave, of Plano, Texas; four grandchildren; brother and sister-in-law, Bradford and Bertha Bowman of Kennett Square, Pa.; sister-in-law, Frances DeBorde of Jacksonville, Fla.; and four nephews. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, May 27, 2008, at First Presbyterian Church in Hickory, with the Rev. Dr. Wallace Johnson officiating. The family will receive friends following the memorial service at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Palliative CareCenter & Hospice of Catawba Valley, 3975 Robinson Road, Newton, N.C. 28658; First Presbyterian Church, 237 Second St., NW, Hickory, N.C. 28601; or CVCC Endowment Fund, 2550 U.S. 70, SE, Hickory, N.C. 28602. Condolences may be sent to the Bowman family at www.drumfuneralhome.com. The family has entrusted funeral arrangements to Drum Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 940 Twenty-ninth Ave., NE, Hickory, N.C. 28601, (828) 267-5740.