Robert Bowman

1932 - 2025

Robert Bowman

December 29, 1932 - December 18, 2025

Robert Hines "Papaw" Bowman, of Marion, age 92, passed away peacefully at the Valor Hospice Unit at the Charles George VA Medical Center on December 18, 2025. Robert was born in McDowell County on December 29, 1932, the beloved son of the late Summy Truman Bowman and Clema Rose Smith Bowman. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his cherished wife of 58 years, Ola Maney Bowman; sisters, Bernice Elliott, Betty Ann McNeely, Marie Moody, and twin sister, Reba DeWitt.

Robert lived a full and meaningful life. He served in the United States Army as a Corporal in the 38th Engineering Panel Bridge Company (Germany), honorably discharged after receiving the National Defense Service medal, Good Conduct medal, and Army Occupational medal. Following his service, Robert retired from a career as a surveyor and engineering technician with the Department of Transportation. He was a devout and dedicated member of the Pleasant Hill United Methodist Church.

Robert was also an outstanding member of his community, placing the needs of his family, friends, and peers above his own. His selfless nature was only matched by his unwavering work ethic and incredibly quick wit. Although he was a quiet and soft-spoken man, they say that actions speak louder than words; the way in which he led his life allowed him to serve as a spectacular role model for his family, especially his grandsons. He set the standard for how a pious and caring man should act.

Robert had many passions, including his love of music and farming. He was a self-taught musician, learning to play the guitar on his own and playing the piano by ear. He was also an avid farmer that raised his own cattle and tilled, planted, and harvested his own crops with the help of his cherished wife, Ola. All the harvest was utilized for homemade cooking and canning by Ola. Robert was also known as a skilled handyman, being able to fix anything from a lawnmower to building rooms for their home.

He leaves behind a legacy of love and devotion through his family, who will forever cherish his memory. Robert is survived by his daughter, Cindy Bowman Hensley; grandsons, Bowman Hensley and wife Taylor Hensley, and Gavin Hensley, all of Marion; one sister, Dorothy Hope Gardin of Ellenboro; cherished nephew, Larry Moody; cherished niece, Anna McNeely; and numerous beloved nieces and nephews. Also, special recognition to caregivers, Jodi Wright, Frankie Craig, and Visiting Angels caregiver Pam.

A visitation will be held to honor Robert's life and legacy. Friends and family will be received from 1 to 2 p.m. on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, at Beam Funeral Home in Marion. Following the visitation, a funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. at the funeral home, officiated by Reverend Dennis Burleson. Interment will follow at McDowell Memorial Park, where Robert will be laid to rest.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Robert's memory to Pleasant Hill United Methodist Church, 1536 Jacktown Road, Marion NC, 28752. These contributions will help continue the work of the church that Robert loved and supported so faithfully.

Beam Funeral Service

2170 Rutherford Rd., Marion, NC 28752