Master Sergeant (Ret) Bert Charles Bowman, age 78, of Mooringsport, Louisiana passed away on Thursday, June 9, 2022. Bert was born December 24, 1943, in Alexandria, Louisiana to Bert James Bowman and Myrtle Henrietta Walker Bowman.
Bert graduated from Fair Park High School in Shreveport in 1960. He attended Centenary College for a short time before leaving to help with the family business before making a lifetime career in the Air Force.
Growing up Bert worked side by side with his dad who owned Bowman's Diesel Mechanic Shop and Wrecker Service. He quickly learned the mechanic trade and centered his life around that knowledge. Bert always tinkered with anything with an engine. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing. The family enjoyed weekend excursions to Albert Pike with friends to camp and the yearly airshows at Barksdale Air Force Base. Bert was a member of Queensborough Masonic Lodge #418 for many years.
Master Sergeant Bert C. Bowman distinguished himself in the performance of outstanding service to the United States while assigned to the 917th Maintenance Squadron, Aerospace Ground Equipment, Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana. Sergeant Bowman served in the Air Force from October 23, 1969 to December 23, 2003. He consistently demonstrated an exceptionally high degree of professional excellence. His technical skills and knowledge of Aerospace Ground Equipment ensured numerous technical repairs were in order to support the B-52H and A-10A weapon systems. While performing the role as Aerospace Ground Equipment supervisor he ensured mission essential equipment was readily available for daily aircraft maintenance, launches, and recovery which had a direct impact on successful aircraft missions. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Sergeant Bowman culminate a long and distinguished career in the service of his country and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
Bert was preceded in death by his wife Nelta Bowman; parents, Bert and Myrtle Bowman; sister, Connie Mayberry, and niece Kayla Mayberry.
Bert is survived by daughters, Rhonda McMillon and husband Randy of Longwood, LA and Katie Staton and husband James of Grayson, KY; grandchildren, Conner Staton and wife Emily, Kaitleigh Tussey and husband Travis, Abbie McMillon and fiance Cole Meadows, Camren Staton and girlfriend Kaity Bender, and Austin McMillon; great grandchildren, Ava and Carver Meadows and Legend and Navi McMillon.
A visitation for Bert will be held Monday June 13, 2022 from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm at Centuries Memorial Funeral Home, 8801 Mansfield Road, Shreveport, Louisiana 71108. A Military graveside service will be held following the visitation at 3:00 pm at Centuries Memorial Park Pavilion. Officiating the service will be Sister Angie Baker. Honoring the family as pallbearers will be Randy McMillon, James Staton, Camren Staton, Austin McMillon, Cole Meadows and Travis Tussey.
The family would like to thank Amedisys Hospice Care, Mrs. Betty, Kathy, RN, C&B Helping Hands (Natasha and Dee), and Lisa for their compassionate care during this difficult time. We would also like to thank the 917th Maintenance Squadron and Barksdale Air Force Base Honor Guard.
