Stewart T. Bowden

Stewart T. Bowden, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend to many, departed this life March 26, 2023 at the age of 91. Originally from Norfolk, VA he was a graduate of the Virginia School for the Deaf and Blind in Staunton, where he was valedictorian, state champion wrestler, singer, and trumpet player. He attended The University of Virginia where he earned a Bachelor's of Science Degree in Education. While at UVA he was a varsity wrestler, member of Sigma Chi Fraternity, an honored inductee into the Raven Society, and his fourth year a resident of the historic Lawn. He was wrestling team captain his fourth year, and played trumpet in dance bands all four years. During his time at UVA, he met the love of his life Jean Willis, and they were married in July of 1957. After a year of job searching, he became the first blind teacher in Norfolk Public Schools, where he taught at Norview High School from 1957 to 1961. He then taught at his alma mater VSDB in Staunton, and became their first school guidance counselor after earning his Master's Degree from UVA in 1966. Stew joined his first barbershop chorus while living in Staunton, and went on to sing Barbershop for many years as lead. He also sang in church choirs for over 50 years. He earned his novice ham radio license in 1961 and progressed ultimately to the "extra class" license. His ham radio years made him friends near and far. In 1973 he moved to NY state where he served as a Guidance Counselor for the New York State school for the Blind in Batavia, NY. The Lions Club in Norfolk sponsored him early on, and he became an active Lion while in NY state. He was awarded the Melvin Jones Fellow Award for his dedicated service to The Lions Club throughout the years. The culmination of his career was to become the Principal of the Virginia School for the Deaf and Blind at Hampton in 1980, where he served until his retirement in 1992. Post retirement years included much Barbershop singing with the Matinee Idlers of Poquoson, and travel with Jean to Alaska, Spain, and a mission trip to Russia. He was a lay speaker for the United Methodist Church, and a long-time member of Wesley UMC where he served in many positions. In 2013 Stew and Jean moved to The Chesapeake, a continuing care community, where together they made many friends. His last six years were spent in the HealthCare Unit, where he was lovingly cared for by the devoted staff, most particularly his buddy Willie and then his favorite gal Patrina. Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Jean; children, Eric (Tina), Elaine (Hugh), and Janine (Rick); 8 grand-children; and 6 great-grandchildren. A Celebration of his Life will be held Saturday, June 3, 2023 at 11 a.m. at Wesley United Methodist Church, 2510 N. Armistead Ave, Hampton. A luncheon reception will follow. Condolences may be left online at www.vacremationsociety.com. In lieu of flowers, consider a donation to The American Parkinson Association at www.apdaparkinson.org or Wesley United Methodist Church.