Franklin Dow Bowman

Franklin Dow Bowman

Franklin Dow Bowman, 93, passed away on Sunday, Feb. 5, 2012, with his lovely wife of 66 years, Bette Bowman; daughter, Pam Weigum, and her husband Jon of Meridian, Idaho; and grandchildren Scott Whitaker of Burbank, Calif., and Amanda Weigum of Spokane, Wash., by his side.

Frank is also survived by his son, James Bowman, and his wife, Lynda, of Houston, Texas; and Scott's wife, Malia Whitaker, and their two children, Frank's great-grandchildren, Connor and Ryley, of Burbank, Calif. Frank is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

Frank was born June 15, 1918, in Chinook, Mont., to William and Vera (Keller) Bowman.

Frank was preceded in death by his parents; his older brothers, Dave and Art, and his younger sister, Irene.

Frank graduated from Lewis and Clark High School in Spokane, Wash., in January 1936, and shortly thereafter started working for the Great Northern Railroad as a brakeman. Frank then enlisted in the U. S. Marine Corps. in Butte, on Feb. 24, 1942, and participated in the defence of Gaudalcanal; Munda, New Georgia; and Bougainville. After his honorable discharge as a Marine Corps technical sergeant, on Sept. 19, 1945, he returned to work with the Great Northern Railroad in Havre. He met his wife-to-be in September, and they married three months later on December 24, 1945.

After 41 years of working through the railroad ranks, Frank retired as an Amtrak conductor, taking his last run on June 8, 1979. Frank and Bette moved from Havre to Lake Havasu City in June 1979, where they enjoyed many, many years of golfing, especially when Frank scored two holes-in-one. Frank held the offices of secretary and president of the London Bridge Men's Golf Association. He was a lifetime member of the Elks, the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Eagles. Frank was quite a card player and enjoyed many a game of bridge over the years.

Frank was a host of hosts at cocktail parties and during many Christmas parties he would be playing the piano, singing, joking and laughing with friends and family. Frank enjoyed the high regard of his many friends and acquaintances, because of his strict integrity and his constant practice of the principles of the Golden Rule. He will be missed.

No services are planned. Donations in Frank's name can be sent to Hospice of Havasu.