Donald J. Bowen

Funeral Services will be held at Arlington National Cemetery on Thursday, March 16 at 9:00 am. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to the USO, United Services Organization, a favorite charity of the deceased https://www.uso.org/donate/next or a charity of your choice. The family would like to say a special thanks to Hospice of Greenspring Village and the team of caretakers at Kind Hart for their loving care and support.

Donald J. Bowen

Don was born in New Orleans, LA, to John and Adele (Duhon) Bowen. He graduated from Fortier High School and earned a Bachelor of Science Electrical Engineering from Tulane University. In 1951, he married Betty Carroll Bowen of Baton Rouge, LA and accepted a commission in the United States Air Force, which would become his life’s career. He earned his master's degree in electronic engineering from the Air Force Institute of Technology in 1955. Betty and Don had three daughters, Karen Bowen of Reston, VA, Karla Torrez of Springfield, VA and Lisa Sagar of Denver, CO. Betty succumbed to cancer in 1994.

Don Bowen served in the United States Air Force for 30 years, followed by 17 years with the Computer Sciences Corporation. His Air Force assignments included the Air Force Missile Test Center, Patrick Air Force Base, FL, support to the National Security Agency, Meade, Md, and Chief of Staff, Defense Information Systems Agency. His military decorations include the Legion of Merit, the Meritorious Service Medal and the Air Force Commendation Medal with three oak leaf clusters. Following his retirement from the Air Force, Don started a second career with Computer Sciences Corporation. Further detailed information of his military career are included here http://www.af.mil/AboutUs/Biographies/Display/tabid/225/Article/107627/brigadier-general-donald-j-bowen.aspx

Don married Martha Hanks Bowen in 1998 and made Springfield VA their home.

While the Air Force was his career, his passion was the creation of things of beauty. He excelled in painting, sculpting, woodworking and clock design and building. He put his unique stamp on everything he created and his pieces adorned his home and that of his daughters.

He was preceded in death by his mother, father and brother John. He is survived by his wife Martha Bowen and his three daughters, brother Burt Bowen of Houston, TX, sister Ione Guilliot of New Orleans, and grandchildren Casey Ditri, Jason Moore, Danielle Sagar and Tristan Sagar.

Arrangements under the direction of Demaine Funeral Home, Springfield, VA.