Josephus Joe Alan Colonel Bowman

Colonel Josephus Joe Alan Bowman, USAF Ret., age 90, of San Antonio, Texas, died on Saturday, February 11, 2006. He graduated from Alamo Heights High School and joined the 9th Infantry in 1934, earning an appointment to West Point in 1935. After graduating from West Point in 1939, Joe served in the U.S. Army, Army Air Corps, and Air Force for a total of 30 years. He was part of the 8th Air Force Staff in London during WWII and went on to be the Assistant Professor of Social Sciences at West Point and First Professor of Geography at the Air Force Academy. Joe completed his Master of Administration at Harvard in 1948, and a Doctorate of Education at the University of Denver in 1956. Later, Joe worked at the Pentagon for the Department of Defense Dependent Schools. After his service career, he worked for Raytheon and the Postal Service. In 1970, at full retirement, he returned to his hometown of San Antonio, Texas, where he resided for the past 32 years.

Joe was a member of Christ Episcopal Church, a fisherman, a history buff, a stamp collector, and a model train enthusiast. He had a knack for nicknaming, and a love of deer watching from his kitchen window in Hollywood Park. Joe was preceded in death by his son, Alan Wicks Bowman in 2001 and is survived by his loving wife of 65 years Mary Jo Wicks Bowman; son, Thomas Edward Bowman and wife, Pat of St. Augustine; daughter, Jo Anne Bowman of San Antonio; former daughter-in-law, Leslie Fuqua; future son-in-law, Gary Ullrich; and grandchildren; Tracy Bowman, Laurie Bowman and Lauren Agoubi.

Friends and family are grateful for Joe's kindness and generosity and the time they were able to spend with him during this life. Our thanks go out to all who sent loving thoughts his way and assisted him in his final days, and especially Christopher of St. Thomas Episcopal Church.

The Rev. Russ Sherman will be officiating. Graveside Service with Full Military Honors. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to VITAS Hospice, 5430 Fredericksburg Road, Ste. 200, San Antonio, Texas 78229.