Obituary of Richard Bowman

Richard "Dick" Bowman, 88 of Washington passed away peacefully at his daughter's home on May 26, 2014. Born: On May 27, 1925 in Philadelphia, PA to the late Charles and Florence Bowman. Personal: Richard attended grammar school in Easton, PA. He graduated from the Washington High School Class of 1943. During his senior year of high school he joined the US Navy and was a 3rd class gunner's mate during WWII, serving in the Navy's Armed Guard aboard the merchant cargo ships. Richard was stationed aboard the Liberty Ships USS James E. Haviland and USS Louis D. Brandeis, as well as the USS Athene and the USS Monadnock. He served in both the Atlantic and Pacific theatres of operation during the war. Dick returned after the war and married Katherine "Betty" Walsh on June 7, 1948. He founded R.A. Bowman Fuel Oil Company in Washington which he owned and operated for 41 years before retiring in 1988. Dick was a Master Plumber. His wife of 62 years Katherine passed away in 2010. Memberships: He served as President of the Warren County Fuel Oil Dealers Association. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Washington since 1940 where he served as Deacon. Dick served on the board of advisors of the Mid-Atlantic Bank of Washington for 20 years. He was a life member of the American Legion Post 103 in Washington. He was a member of the VFW Pohatcong Memorial Post 6701 in Washington. Dick was an avid bowler and a member of the Elite 700 & 800 Bowling Club of America and bowled several perfect 300 games, the last being at the age of 80. He was also an avid fishermen, sailor, and golfer. Dick enjoyed many cruises around the world with his family. He cherished time spent with his family, especially his grandchildren. Survivors: His four loving daughters, Cynthia Wasilak and her husband Michael, Christina Sylstra and her husband Ray, JoAnn Bowman, and Jeannette Drewes and her husband Matthew; eight grandchildren Douglas and Brian Sylstra, Rebecca Keller, Scott Wasilak, Jason, Ryan, Kyle and Ashley Drewes; two great grandchildren Haley Sylstra and Bryce Keller. He was preceded in death by his wife Katherine and his sister Shirley Ann Berthoud. Services: Friends and family may call on Thursday May 29, 2014 from 2-4 & 7-9 PM at the Warren Hills Memorial Home, 234 W. Washington Ave Washington, NJ 07882. Funeral services will be celebrated on Friday May 30, 2014 at 10:00 AM from the First Presbyterian Church of Washington, 40 East Church St, Washington, NJ 07882. Burial will follow at Belvidere Cemetery. Memorials: in lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Richard's name to the First Presbyterian Church of Washington, 40 East Church St. Washington NJ OR a blood donation to the Miller Keystone Blood Center, 1465 Valley Center Parkway, Bethlehem, PA 18017. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Warren Hills Memorial Home.