Raymond W. Bowman

Raymond W. Bowman, 86, of Springfield, died at 6:30 a.m. on Sunday, May 20, 2007 at St. John’s Hospice. Raymond was born January 29, 1921 in St. Louis, the son of Harry E. and Nancy Hope Young Bowman. He married Anna Ruth Collins on May 23, 1942 in St. Louis. Raymond was a veteran of the U.S. Navy serving during WWII. He earned the Victory Medal, Good Conduct, Asiatic Pacific Campaign and the American Campaign medals. In the 1950’s, he served as a Lutheran missionary in Nigeria. Raymond was employed as an administrator in homes for the elderly. He was administrator of Pinecrest Manor in Mt. Morris for 13 years and then administrator of Heritage Square in Dixon for another 13 years, retiring in 1986. He was a member of the Board of Directors of the IL Homes for the Aging. Raymond was also an accountant for Trees for Life. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers: his twin brother, Robert Bowman and Elmer Bowman. He is survived by his wife of 65 years: Anna Ruth Bowman of Springfield; two sons: Raymond (wife, Laurel) Phelps-Bowman, Jr. of Rochester, MN and Christopher (wife, Tami) Bowman of South Bend, IN; four daughters: Kathryn (husband, George) Goeddey of Oneida, KY, Alice (husband, Bob) Hray of Joliet, IL, Nancy (husband, Butch) Stilwell of Springfield and Carolyn Bowman of Appleton, WI and 12 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. Private ceremonies were held at Kirlin-Egan and Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St. Springfield, with Pastor Denny Hamilton officiating. Burial followed at Camp Butler National Cemetery where military honors were provided by the Interveterans Burial Detail of Sangamon County. Memorial contributions may be made to: Trees for Life, 3006 W. St. Louis, Wichita, KS 67203.