Elie Bowden Jr

Elie Bowden, Jr., a proud veteran of the Vietnam War, and a longtime resident of Vine Grove Kentucky, passed away on June 13, 2025. He was a true warrior in his fight against cancer.

Elie was born on August 9, 1932, in Atlanta, Georgia. He was the son of Elie & Ethel Turner Bowden. He enlisted in the U.S. Army, and his career took him, Ada Mae (wife of 74 years), and seven children including their German Shepherd Collie Mix (Teakus), to postings in France, Germany, Kansas, Kentucky, North Carolina, and finally Oklahoma.

Elie Bowden lived a life rich in adventure, friendship, and purpose. He had an extraordinary ability to connect with just about anyone he met. With a brilliant mind that could instantly recall dates and events, a sharp wit, and a deeply empathetic heart, Elie carried a rare gift for building community wherever he went. He was also a proud member of the Masonic Lodge, a reflection of his commitment to brotherhood, service, and integrity.

From a young age, Elie had a deep love for boxing, a passion that never left him. He wasn't just a fan of the sport; he was embraced by it. He often traveled to Las Vegas to watch live matches of the greats and quickly became a star among stars. In Vegas, he was well-known and deeply respected in the boxing community. Legends like Muhammad Ali, Larry Holmes, George Foreman, Mike Tyson, Floyd "Money" Mayweather, Evander Holyfield, Joe Frazier, Sugar Ray Leonard, Leon Spinks, Sonny Liston, Bernard Hopkins, Lennox Lewis, Roy Jones Jr., and so many more knew and befriended Elie. One of his closest and dearest friends was none other than Ezzard Charles, known as "The Cincinnati Cobra" and celebrated as one of the greatest light heavyweights of all time. They welcomed Elie into their inner circles. He dined with them, laughed with them, celebrated with them. He was a star among stars, and he soaked in every moment. Elie passed his love of boxing on to his children, often taking them to Vegas to meet and spend time with these champions.

Elie was also a gifted chef. He graduated at the top of his class, Class 17D Cooks Course, Food Service School, Ft. Knox, Kentucky on October 26, 1953. While stationed in Germany, he led the kitchen at the renowned Plantation Club in Frankfurt, where he served meals to an impressive roster of guests including The Delfonics, Fats Domino, Lou Rawls, and James Brown, all of whom specifically requested meals prepared by Sgt. Elie Bowden. His culinary talent eventually led him to cook for two U.S. Presidents: Gerald Ford and George H.W. Bush Sr. Yet no one received more care and attention at the table than his beloved Ada Mae. Preparing breakfast, lunch, and dinner for her was his greatest honor. He took immense pride in caring for her, always putting her needs ahead of his own.

The U.S. Army recognized Elie for his honorable service with numerous military awards and decorations including the Purple Heart, Vietnam Service Medal with two campaign stars, National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal (4th award), Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with 1960 Device, and two Overseas Service Bars. He also earned the Sharpshooter Qualifica- tion Badge with the M–16 rifle. Elie's military legacy is one of courage, honor, and steadfast commitment to duty. He retired with distinction, leaving behind a proud legacy of faithful service to his nation.

He was preceded in death by his son Reginal Lee Bowden. He's survived by his wife of 74 years Ada Mae Bowden, four living sons Larry (Vera), Kimmy (Colonel Allison Bowden), Michael, Edward (special friend Sandra), and two daughters Carolyn, and Rayann (Andy), as well as a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews, whom he dearly loved.

Visitation will be from 11:30 PM until 12:30 PM, Friday, June 27, 2025 at Chism Family Funeral Home.

Funeral services for Mr. Bowden will be held at 12:30 PM, Friday, June 27, 2025 at the chapel of Chism Family Funeral Home. Burial with military honors will follow at the Kentucky Veterans Cemetery Central, Radcliff, KY.