Robert "Bob" Emmet Bowen Lt. Col., USAF (Ret.)

Lt. Col., USAF (Ret.)

September 9, 1940 – April 8, 2018

Resident of Annandale, VA, Bob died at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center of heart failure. After more than 33 years working in research and development as an engineer, including pioneering work with UAVs/drones and the Buffalo Hunter program in SE Asia, with the U.S. Air Force, SAIC in Dayton, OH, and Booz, Allen & Hamilton, Inc. in McLean, VA, he ended his career teaching Physics at Edison High School in Alexandria, VA.

He is survived by his wife, Peg, and children Michael (Judy Shampanier), Thomas (Marian Staats), Joseph (Supattra), Paul and Rita Bowen (Matt Gatto), and ten grandchildren. He was predeceased by his eldest son, Robert E. Bowen, III (Amy Lemmon). He is survived by his brother Richard (Barbara) and sisters Sr. Sheila, Patricia McIlveen (Greg) and Eileen Little (Andy), and was predeceased by his sister Maureen Leahy (Steve). Bob was the eldest of six children and was beloved by his large extended family, Peg’s extended family, and many friends.

Bob was an active member of the Catholic community at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall for more than 30 years. Known for his integrity, positive, generous, problem-solving perspective, he was proud of his Irish heritage and his love and support of family defined who he was. He was a big man with a big heart and will be missed, remembered well and always loved.

You are encouraged to leave a message for the family on the site. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to one of the following organizations that were important to Bob and he supported: Association of Roman Catholic Women Priests (www.arcwp.org) and St. Joseph’s Indian School (http://www.stjo.org/flowers).

Family and friends are invited to celebrate his life on Saturday, May 5, from 2:00 – 5:00 pm, at Murphy Funeral Home, 4510 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, VA. There will be a visitation and a Memorial Service at 4:00 pm. Burial at Arlington National Cemetery will be at a later date. If you would like to be notified of those details, please let the family know.