Kenneth Lyon Mowles Sr.

Kenneth Lyon Mowles, Sr., 84, of Roanoke, Va. and formerly of Salem, Va. passed away Friday, August 28, 2009. He was born July 31, 1925 in Salem, Va., son of the late Allison T. and Clara Wade Mowles. Mr. Mowles was retired from N & W Railroad with 34 years of service, a member of the Duck Club and the Caterpillar Club. He was a World War II US Army Air Corps veteran. He served as a Staff Sergeant in the 13th Air force, 5th Bombardment Group, 72nd Squadron, where he flew 36 combat missions in the South Pacific as a ball turret gunner. On May 18, 1945 his plane went down in the South Pacific and he parachuted to safety. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for meritorious service during the war. He is survived by his five children, Lysa Allison and husband, Philip, Rebecca Armstrong, Kenneth L. Mowles, Jr. and wife, Peggi, Allison Mowles and Matthew Lewis Mowles and wife, Susan; wife, Nancy Hurt Mowles; brother, James C. "Pete" Mowles and wife, Nancy; sisters, Mildred Williams and Rosalie Robertson and husband, Charles; grandchildren, Gin Armstrong, Jacqueline Armstrong, Lewis Mowles and Joshua Mowles; and numerous nieces and nephews. Graveside funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Monday, August 31, 2009 at Sherwood Memorial Park, Abby Mausoleum, with Pastor Ronnie Morris officiating. The family will receive friends Sunday, August 30, 2009 from 2 to 4 p.m. at John M. Oakey and Son, Salem. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Mr. Mowles name to the S.P.C.A. or to the St. Francis of Assisi. Arrangements by John M. Oakey & Son, Salem, 540-389-5441.