Donald J. Bowes
January 18, 1933 - February 13, 2016
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Donald J. Bowes
January 18, 1933 - February 13, 2016
Obituary
Donald johnston bowes, jr. 83, of charleston, passed away february 13, 2016 at hubbard hospice house following a long illness.
He was born january 18, 1933 in los angeles, california to the late elva may lehman and the late donald johnston bowes.
He spent his early years in military school at ohio military institute in canton, ohio, followed by two years of college and a year as an enlisted medic in the korean war. He then accepted an appointment to west point graduating in the class of 1957. The next 23 years were spent in the us army as an officer and truly enjoying the many challenges along the way, to include a 14 month combat tour in vietnam, receiving service medals for both tours. He attended service school in comptrollership and graduate studies in bio electronics, operations research and nuclear medical science, hospital construction, and health care administration. His last military assignment was as director, resource management for the army medical department. He retired from the us army in1980.
Still looking for a challenge, don entered the corporate world working for consolidation coal in pittsburgh, pa., handling their black lung programs for several years”¦..Retired again. Retired, but eager to be challenged once again. Our final decision was to take country roads to beautiful west virginia to work with employer services as a health care administrator, here in charleston.
During don’s final year at west point, he accepted a blind date with constance (connie) mae waring, of peabody, mass., and they married on february 12, 1958. During the 58 years, they partnered through endless pcs moves challenging open-ended tdy’s, and three intensive post-graduate programs en route to military retirement.
Skiing and tennis were among many favorite sports. In recent years we enjoyed ballroom dancing as members of six dance clubs.
Steam trains, ship model building, mah jong collecting and antique carriage restoration have been on the list of hobbies throughout the years.
A few years ago, we were invited to set up a large permanent exhibit in a regional appalachian historical village containing several museums, on september 11, 2015, the bowes doll and carriage museum opened at the heritage farm museum and village in huntington, wv displaying approximately 60 carriages and 200 or more dolls, this required years of creating, costuming, collecting and restoring the dolls and carriages. Also on display are don’s steam trains and a ship model.
The principles the united states military academy sought to install in us have remained a proud cornerstone in his approach to life’s challenges and opportunities. For that inspiration and preparedness, he remained particularly grateful.
In lieu of flowers, we ask that donations be made to heritage farm museum and village, 3300 harvey road, huntington, wv 25794 or hubbard hospice house, 1606 kanawha blvd., west, charleston, wv 25387.
Memorial visitation for family and friends will be held from 2:00 to 4:00 p.M. Sunday, february21, 2016 at barlow bonsall funeral home, charleston, wv.
You may send condolences to the family at www.Barlowbonsall.Com
barlow bonsall funeral home has been entrusted to handle the arrangements.
4 responses to Donald J. Bowes
Tashea King says:
August 10, 2021
Location: Ohio
Hello,
My Name Is Tashea. I Did Not Know Mr. Bowes Personally But I Know How Hard It Can Be To Lose A Loved One In Death. I Have Experienced The Pain That Comes From Losing Someone Close To Me So My Heart Moves Me To Share With Others What Has Helped Me To Cope At Such A Difficult Time.
I First Want To Say That I Am Very Sorry For Your Loss. I Do Not Know If You Are A Bible Reader Or Not And I Hope I Do Not Offend Anyone, But The Scripture That Has Given Me Comfort Is The One Found At 2 Corinthians 1: 3, 4. It Says, “Praised Be The God And Father Of Our Lord Jesus Christ, The Father Of Tender Mercies And The God Of All Comfort Who Comforts Us In All Our Trials So That We May Be Able To Comfort Others In Any Sort Of Trial With The Comfort That We Receive From God.” I Would Like To Share With You The Comfort I Have Received From God. He Promises At John 5: 28, 29 That “The Hour Is Coming In Which All Those In The Memorial Tombs Will Hear His Voice And Come Out, Those Who Did Good Things To A Resurrection Of Life, And Those Who Practiced Vile Things To A Resurrection Of Judgment.” So God Has Promised That In The Very Near Future We Will Not Only Welcome Back To Life Our Loved Ones We Have Lost, But We Will Also Never Have To Experience The Pain Associated With Death Ever Again. I Pray That This Gives The Family Some Comfort During This Difficult Time. If You Need Anything Or Would Like To Know More About What The Bible Says About The Future, Feel Free To Contact Me. Have A Great Day.
Travis And Sarah Mccomas says:
August 10, 2021
Relationship: Friend
Location: Huntington West Virginia
Dear Connie, We Are So Sorry For Your Loss! Don Was A Great Man And Spending Time With You Two Was So Much Fun. We Will Forever Think Of Him When We Play Mahjong 🙂 Sending Love And Comfort!
Leesa Chenoweth says:
August 10, 2021
Location: Charleston West Virginia
Connie,
I Am So Sorry To Hear Of Don’S Passing. I Truly Enjoyed The Conversations That I Had With Him During The Occasions That We Were Together. I Truly Felt That He Was A True Gentle Man And Kind Soul. I Pray That Your Heart Will Be Eased By The Memories And Knowledge Of A Life Well Lived Together.
Sincerely,
Leesa Chenoweth
Lila And Allan Weitz says:
August 10, 2021
Relationship: Dear Friends
Location: Montreal, Quebec, Canada New York
Dear Connie
Lila And I Are Heartbroken Over Losing Don. Our Only Consolation Is That Don Is No Longer Suffering And Has Gone To A Just Reward. A Reward For A Lifetime Of Hard Work, Love And Devotion To You, Being Generous With His Feelings, Time, And Patience, Serving His Country, And Being A Dear And Understanding Friend To Us. We Will Keep Strong Memories Of Don All Our Days
Lila And Allan.