Joseph Willard Bowman

My dad, Joseph Willard Bowman Lt/Col Retired, born May 27 1916, passed away March 31, 2014 in Birmingham, AL. Funeral services for Joe Bowman will be held in Fort Walton Beach, FL., McLaughlin Mortuary, on Saturday, April 5th, visitation from 10 – 11 AM followed by a service.

He was the proud son of the late Dr. Joseph and Elizabeth Bowman of Norristown, PA. In his early life, Joe was quite the athlete, lettering in all sports from the 10th -12th grade. His love of music, at this early age, earned him the first seat trumpet in the 9th grade replacing much older boys. He retained this status throughout High School.

He was inducted into the Army at the beginning of WWII and was assigned to the 21st Engineer Regiment. Joe continually climbed the enlisted ranks and at the age of 22 was one of the youngest Battalion Sgt Majors in the Army, 3 strips up and 3 down. One of his enlisted friends bet him he wouldn't and couldn't pass Officer’s Candidate School. Taking the bet, he found himself at the Officer’s Candidate School in Miami, completing the course with new 2nd Lt bars and the $5.00 bet. He soon realized a 2nd Lt with a compass did not have the command authority or status as his previous Sgt Major position.

In Aug of 1945 he found himself on a barren atoll named Tinian. In the early hours of that hot August morning, the staff was mustered out to watch the Enola Gay B29 take off for Hiroshima.

His other assignments included Randolph AFB TX, Carswell AFB NM, Tokyo Japan during the occupation and a tour in South Korea.

Joe met the love of his life, Marguerite, at one of these assignments. Their 50+ years together forged a lasting impression of a couple who knew how to have fun.

His last duty station found him in Ft Walton Beach, FL where he retired in 1963. He moved his family to a somewhat barren island called Okaloosa Island. With not much money and only a dream, the Bowman’s built their first home. For less than $3000, Joe built a Jim Walter’s home that many said would be blown down by the first hurricane. It still sits there in the middle of the island surrounded by high rise condos.

His next home was built just down street where he saved enough money to purchase water front property on the Intercostal Water Way. $4000 bought him his new home where he would live until age 94. This property was the smallest water front on the island. He said all he needed was a nice dock and a place for his boat. Any bigger would just give the hurricanes more seawall to tear down. My wife and I live in that home now and I can still see him driving in by boat with a load of fish.

My dad and mom loved the water and the island they moved to. They were constantly crabbing, boating and all the activities that comes with beach life. It could be said he was the happiest when he was out in the Gulf with a cold beer in his left hand and the boat throttle in his right. He ate a steak every Friday and drank a rum and coke every night…he lived to almost 98 and drove his boat until age 90.

After suffering 3 broken hips and confined to a wheel chair, he moved to Birmingham, Al, to be closer to family. His new home was Kirkwood By The River skilled nursing. He lived there for 3 years. He was known for pushing his wheel chair up and down the halls flirting with all the nurses and CNAs. I want to thank all his special ladies at Kirkwood for making the old fellow feel needed and loved when I couldn't get there. He dearly loved all of you. You know who you are. Thank You. At Kirkwood, he had four extra special ladies, Paula, Mary and Keira nurses, and Mae, a CNA. These 4 bonded like he was their grandfather and cried deeply when he passed. You made his life enjoyable to the end. His caregivers and sweethearts while living in FWB were Charity and Brenda. You were devoted to him and he loved you so. They helped him remain in his island home for extra years.

Last year for one last visit, I picked him up at Kirkwood and took him home to FWB with wheel chair in tow. We spent the weekend, father and son. We sat on the dock and watched the boats and barges go by. He said "Son, I really enjoyed life here." And that he did.

Pappy, as I call him, will be greatly missed by his family; daughter in law, Cathy Bowman, granddaughter, Traci Abbett, husband Jeff Abbett, great grandson, Jackson Abbett, son, Joe Bowman Jr,, daughter, Phyllis Omar, grandson, Sam Omar, sisters, Elizabeth Kern and Carol Kehler, and many others.

This is my dad’s story of living 98 years to the fullest. He was my mentor, my coach, but most of all, my loving dad and pal. He came from the Greatest Generation and like many fathers of that era, he taught me to be respectful, work hard and accomplish my goals. I couldn't have become the man I am today without you, Dad. You will be greatly missed. See you again and keep a warm spot for me.

Arrangements under the direction of Ridout's Valley Chapel, Homewood, AL.