1925
2013
Beloved father and husband, 88 years of age, passed peacefully after several years of declining health at his son's home in Silver Lake, Washington. Walt was born in Arlington, Oregon and lived there through graduating high school at which time he joined the Navy. He served eight years during World War II and the Korean War. He was a Quartermaster 1st Class and spent six years on LST 571 during World War II and two years as Acting Chief on the USS CV 21 Boxer during the Korean War.
After his military service, Walt joined Pacific Northwest Bell in 1947. He held various jobs including lineman, PBX installer, and PBX foreman. In 1969, he temporarily worked in New York and climbed out on a six foot catwalk atop the United Nations building to help setup communications for the ticker tape parade which welcomed back the first astronauts to land and walk on the moon. Walt worked 36 years for Pacific Northwest Bell before retiring in 1983. Walt was a member of PNB's Southwest Community Relations Team, Milwaukie Elks, Optimists Club, American Legion and VFW.
He was a single Dad for several years and raised two small children from ages 2 and 6 until he married the love of his life Audrey Jean Hampton and gained a three year old son Scott six years later in 1965. He and Audrey loved to have parties, water ski, dance, play bridge and rummy, take vacations to Maui, and go on cruises. His favorite song was Ragtime Cowboy Joe. He outlived his parents Ben and Alma Bowman and his siblings George, Ida, Thelma, Alma, Earl and Ada.
He is survived by his wife of 47 years Audrey Jean Hampton Bowman, daughter Kim Bowman Stott and son-in-law Thomas Stott, son Jeffrey Bowman and daughter-in-law Kathy Bowman and son Scott DeLong, three grandchildren and their spouses Colleen Bowman Julian and Kevin Julian, Juston and Hayley Bowman, and Brent and Tory Bowman, and five great grandchildren Bailey Julian 13, Brandon Julian 11, Jayton Julian 11, William Bowman 6 and Jaxon Bowman 1. The family gives special thanks to family friend Rolando Lopez who cared for Walt over two years when he became in need of a full time caregiver.
The family is holding a private graveside ceremony at Lincoln Memorial Park.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
September 20, 2023
Family
Dixie (Welch) Brown
Think about Walt and Audrey every day. What a wonderful man he was.
September 16, 2023
Family
Andrew May
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you always Uncle Walt.
September 29, 2021
Family
Dixie Brown
Was thinking about Walt just the other day. Such a warm wonderful guy.
October 3, 2013
Lucy Grittman
It has been so long since we have been in contact with my fellow workers and was sadden to get the notification of Walt's passing. He and Audrey were great people. We rented their beach cabin once. Condolences to you Audrey and to the rest of the family, I know Walt will be missed greatly. Prayers and thoughts coming your way. Lucy & Gary Grittman
September 24, 2013
Brent Bowman
I will miss my Grandfather. He always had a smile and kinda words for me. He always gave a positive insight to anything I discussed with him. He always helped me to feel good about myself. And he positively loved my Son.
September 23, 2013
Jim Schierholz
Your loss is also our loss. Walt was a great co-worker and friend.
September 22, 2013
Curt & Dixie Brown
To Aunt Audrey and the rest of Walt's family, we send our love and condolences on your loss. Walt, always the gentleman, was one of our favorite people. He always had a smile and was so pleasant to visit with. Always in our hearts he is now with the angels..
September 20, 2013
Andrew May
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