Robert "Bob" Bowen

Robert “Bob” Bowen, U.S. Army aviator, CPA, philanthropist and conservationist, died peacefully at his home, Spirit Hill Farm in Wyatte, Mississippi on April 5, 2022. He was born September 4, 1941, to D. Reece Bowen and Lera Pinnix Bowen in Cleveland, Mississippi.

Bob, attended Cleveland High School and was a 1963 graduate of Mississippi State University, receiving his B.A. degree with majors in Political Science and History, and was an ROTC Distinguished Military Graduate. Bowen served on active duty as an Army Aviator, and while in Vietnam flew over 700 combat missions in support of the 1st Air Cavalry Division’s ground forces.

Upon completing his military service, Bob attended graduate school at Emory University where he received his M.B.A. degree in 1968. Initially joining the audit practice of Arthur Andersen & Co.’s Atlanta office, he transferred to Memphis in 1969 and was promoted to Partner in 1977. For 18 years, Bob was the partner in-charge of Andersen’s mid-south audit and business advisory practice. He also served as the engagement partner for FedEx Corporation, Holiday Inns, Inc., Harrah’s Entertainment Company and Delta and Pine Land Company, among others.

Active in support of his community, Bob served for more than 20 years on the board of Memphis College of Art, including as its chair, and on boards of United Way of Greater Memphis and Memphis Senior Citizens Services. He was an Elder in the First Presbyterian Church of Holly Springs, Mississippi.

After retiring from Arthur Andersen in 1999, Bob became a director and chaired the audit committees of three New York Stock Exchange-listed public companies. He also served as chair of the Finance Committee for the Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi and on the Mississippi State University Foundation board. Bob was selected as the 2016, College of Arts & Sciences alumnus of the year at Mississippi State University.

Bob and his wife, Sheryl, live on the family’s 1300-acre Mississippi Centennial Farm near Holly Springs. They recently completed arrangements to bequeath this 1836 historic farm to Mississippi State University’s College of Forest Resources for its use in undergraduate and graduate studies of quail management, wildlife research, conservation and other educational initiatives that will further the University’s goals. In addition to the farm, the couple have also established the Bowen Spirit Hill Farm Conservation Endowment to support and maintain the property.

Along with his wife of 43 years, Sheryl (Onelio), he is survived by three children, Paul, Wayne and Laura, twin grandsons, Adam and Ben, his brother former U.S. Congressman David R. Bowen, a niece, Melissa Shuttleworth Lucas, a nephew, Bruce B. Shuttleworth and twin grand nephews, Bowen and Reece Shuttleworth. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Lera Bowen Shuttleworth of Severna Park, MD.

Bob's universe consisted of his open cockpit biplane, pet cow Freckles, Blue the blue-eyed horse, bird houses, beehives, wildflowers, native grasses, hiking scenic trails, devoted dogs and numerous barn cats, all named Missy. He left this world, sitting in his favorite chair, with his beloved dog, Rita, at his feet, after having a full and wonderful day on the land he loved.

Family and friends will be invited to gather at Spirit Hill Farm to celebrate his life in late June. Memphis Funeral Home is assisting with the arrangements. He will be buried in the family cemetery at Spirit Hill Farm. Bob served his country, church, family and community, a humble man, measured not by words but deeds.

In lieu of flowers, you may honor Bob’s life by donating to the Senatobia-Tate County Animal Shelter (no-kill), the Memphis or Mississippi Child Advocacy Centers or by donating or participating in the annual American Heart Association Heart Walk.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.MemphisFuneralPoplar.com for the Bowen family.