Jack Bowman
Almost all of the immediate family was in attendance on Tuesday, March 1, 1994, to celebrate the mournful passing of "Bill" Bowman. His eldest son William Bowman, Jr. with wife Becky and children, Jane and Jennifer;his youngest son, Jack Bowman; his brother George with Daughter Connie and her son Ron Webb; and his Widow Jane made up all of the Bowmans. Jane's Sister Stella Dunlap, with her daughters Roberta Schmidt, Patrice Dunlap, and Mary Jane Blythe, and son-in-law Joe Blythe were all there. Also, Jane's Sister Kaz Solumn and Blondie Solumn were able to come from Springfield. Even though he was still ill, Stanley Przywitowski, wife Jane, son Jimmy, daughter Pam Bingnear, and son-in-law Jim Bingnear, were all able to come from their various homes. As the slow entourage of cars passed by the graves of the American Veterans, up George Patton Drive, in sight of the Pentagon, the funeral caisson came into view. Slowly to the tattoo of the drums, the Air Force Officers marched in precision steps to receive the ashes of the Army Air Force Veteran of World War II. The four perfectly matched horses drawing the caisson started the last journey William Bowman would make on this earth. Falling behind the Honorary Pall Bearers were the Honor Guard moving with grace as well as exactness to the slow dirge being played by the Air Force Band. The Pall Bearers with practiced precision honored the remains as they unfolded the Flag to drape the grave site. The words spoken by the Chaplain were of Love, Dignity, and Honor, the qualities all bespoken of Bill. A staccato of orders rang out and the Guard snapped to attention, motionless. And with a crisp salute, the seven guns fired once, twice, three times in rapid succession, sending their echos throughout the hollowed grounds. But before these sounds could in themselves die away, the sad, low tones of the bugle could be faintly heard among the tree as Taps would be played for the last time for Bill. Overhead could be heard the drone of commercial jets, almost as if they too were paying tribute to a man who spent so much of his life traveling. The flag was folded to remind everyone that this chapter on Bill's life on earth was closed. After the flag was presented to the widow, condolences were said and the funeral party prepared to leave. Slowly the cars moved away from the grave site, climbing toward the Lee Mansion. A quick glimpse back revealed the lonely vigil of the Captain of the guard standing his solitary post at the grave. The warmth that was in the air was gone, surely it would snow in the morning.
Jack Bowman