Robert Lee Bowman

Sgt. Maj. Robert L. Bowman USMC (Ret.) 81, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on March 12, 2011. A native of Liberty, North Carolina, he was a Hampton resident for 45 years. He retired from the United States Marine Corps after 28 years of service. He was a highly decorated Marine earning many awards for his service in Korea and Vietnam including a Purple Heart. He was a member of Community Presbyterian Church and an avid wood worker and bird carver.

Robert is survived by his wife of 60 years, Vivian Bowman; daughters, Brenda White and Robin Cole; son Scott Bowman, all of Hampton; grandchildren, Casey White of Hampton and Kyle White of Williamsburg; brothers, R.D. Bowman of Julian, NC, Lacy Bowman of Thomasville, NC, and Jake Bowman of Julian, NC; sisters, Hazel Kimrey of Liberty, NC, Rachel Thomas of Newport, NC, and Orpha Wiseman of St. Augustine, Florida; and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends Thursday, March 17 from 6: to 7:30 p.m. at Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home. A celebration of Mr. Bowman’s life will be held Friday, March 18, at 1 p.m. at the funeral home, with Rev. Louie Andrews officiating. Interment will follow in Hampton Veterans Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to be made to the Community Presbyterian Capital Improvements Fund, 400 Fox Hill Road, Hampton, Virginia 23669.

Friends are encouraged to visit www.parklawn-woodfh.com to share memories and words of condolence with the family.

Arrangements are under the care of Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home, 2551 N. Armistead Avenue in Hampton, 23666.