Robert Bowden

1925 - 2017

Robert C Bowden passed away at Mesilla Valley Hospice La Posada Thursday July 1, 2017 at the age of 92. He was born February 9, 1925 in Ness City Kansas to Jewel A and William Bowden. He graduated from Ness City High School and joined the U.S. Army at the age of 18. He served as a radio operator in a tank with the 987th field artillery Battalion in the European Theater. He served in the Normandy Champaign, Norther France, Rhineland, Ardennes, Belgium, Central Europe and Germany. He was captured after an ambush attach near the German border, he was a POW and taken to a German Hospital. He was awarded the Purple Heart for his injuries.
After his service he attended K State College and graduated from Augustana College in Rock Island Illinois in 1950. He married Bernice Rutsaert at St. Joseph Catholic Church on January 29, 1949. After graduation he got a job with the Department of Defense, moved around until they settled in Las Cruces in 1954. He worked at White Sands Missile Range in scheduling and retired after 30 years.
He was a lifetime member of the Elks Club. He enjoyed traveling, the outdoors, and Tuesday night bowling.
He is survived by his beloved wife Bernice, of 68 years, his son Robert C Bowden, and grandson Robert C Bowden III. He is preceded in death by his parents, daughter Judith Ann, and brother William.
Special thanks to care givers Theresa Garay and Diana Lopez of Mountain View Home Health.
A viewing will be held Monday June 5, 2017 between 5:00 and 7:00 pm at Getz Funeral Home. Grave side service will be held Tuesday June 6, 2017 at 10:00 am at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Mesilla Valley Hospice, 299 Montana Ave, Las Cruces, NM 88005.
Arrangements are with Getz Funeral Home 1410 E. Bowman Ave., Las Cruces NM 88001. Please visit www.GetzCares.com to sign the local online guest book.