Robert Oscar Bowser

Robert Oscar Bowser, 93, of Lynchburg, formerly of Dothan, AL, passed away Tuesday, February 13, 2018 at Lynchburg General Hospital. He was the devoted husband of Garnet Mae Varner Bowser for 72 years.

Born February 10, 1925 in Armstrong County, PA, he was the son of the late Charles Randall and Della Helm Bowser. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by 5 sisters and 5 brothers.

He was a retired bus driver with Butler Motor Tours and proudly served his country with the U.S. Army during World War II, from April, 1943 to December, 1945. He was in the Battle of the Bulge and Remagen and was one of the first to cross the Rhine River. He crossed the bridge in a M16 halftrack with a turret of 4 machine guns while the infantry was pulling wires and dropping explosives in the river. He was in 5 major battles and was awarded 5 bronze stars and a letter and diploma for the liberation of France.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his son, Robert A. Bowser and wife Mary Lou of Dothan, AL; his daughter, Lynda S. Suwala and husband Matthew of Lynchburg, five grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life service will be conducted at 12:00 noon on Sunday, April 8, 2018 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, entombment in Arlington National Cemetery will be held at a later date.

A luncheon will be served after the celebration service at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church. If you plan to attend the luncheon, please RSVP to Lynda Suwala (434) 660-6223.

Those wishing to make memorial contributions are asked to consider the Lynchburg Area Veterans Council, P.O. Box 1104, Forest, VA 24551.