Robert M. Bowden

Robert M. Bowden, 83, of Columbus, passed away on Tuesday, December 9, 2025 at his residence in Columbus.
Born in Trenton, Robert was raised in Hamilton and was a graduate of Notre Dame High School. With pride, he served in the US Army during the Vietnam War. He was a graduate of Mercer County Community College. Robert worked as a lab technician focusing on water pollution with Hamilton Township. After 25 years of service, he went on to enjoy retirement in 2004.
A love of music ran through every phase of Robert's life. He was an impressive and accomplished jazz drummer, accompanying the likes of Meg Hanson and Billy Hill. He was inspired by the greats; John Coltrane, Miles Davis, and Buddy Rich to name a few. He was a lifelong member of the Local #62 American Federation of Musicians, a personal point of pride. Music surrounded the love and family that Robert and his wife, Gail, had built together. He loved spending time with his family and truly enjoyed the gift of being a father, stepfather, grandfather, and great grandfather.
Predeceased by his parents, Harry and Mildred Bowden; and his brother and sister-in-law, Roger and Rosellen Bowden; he is survived by his loving wife, Gail E. Bowden; his children and their spouses, Eric and Gina Bowden, Ian and Halley Bowden, and Brandyn Bowden and Kemoa Frederickson; his stepchildren, William Thompson, Elaine Thompson-Wallace and her husband, John, and Scott Thompson; his grandchildren, Jared and Sydnee Bowden, Ryan Thompson, Cameron Thompson and his partner, Paige Harper, Caitlyn Thompson and her partner, Bronson Lyons, Kyle DeBeacke, Jordan Brielle Ramirez and her husband, Manny, and Marcella, Christina, and Carmela Thompson; his great grandchildren, Bronson, Charlie, and Brecken Lyons, Colton Thompson, and Samael, Amara, and Dakota Ramirez; as well as his many loved family members and dear friends.
Visitation for family and friends will be held on Wednesday, December 17, 2025 from 8:00 a.m. until 9:45 a.m. at the Saul Colonial Home, 3795 Nottingham Way, Hamilton Square, NJ.
A Mass of Christan Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, December 17, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church, 45 Crosswicks Street, Bordentown, NJ 08505.
Cremation will be held privately.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Robert's memory to Wounded Warrior Project by visiting https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/.