SFC, Clarence Edward Bowman Sr.

SFC, Clarence Edward Bowman
United States Army, Retired
August 7, 1936 - July 14, 2022

SFC, Clarence Edward Bowman, SR., US Army, Ret., 85

Clarence Edward Bowman, SR., of Benson, Arizona, was called home on July 14, 2022 with his family at his side. He is now reunited with the Love of his life, Lorie. 

Clarence was born on August 7, 1936 in Marceline, Missouri to John D Bowman and Maude F Fisher.

Committal services with full Military Honors will be held on Thursday, August 4, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. at the Southern Arizona Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery, located at 1300 Buffalo Soldier Trail, Sierra Vista, Arizona. Those who wish to attend should arrive at the staging area by 9:30 a.m. 

Clarence is survived by his sons: Daniel, Clarence (Eddie) Jr. (Connie), Chris, Andy (Susan) and daughter Anne (Bowman) Emmerich; his six grandchildren: Samantha Emmerich, Tony Bowman, Hannah Bowman, Bradley Bowman, Brandon Emmerich and Raven Bowman; his brother, Chester (Janet) Bowman, and many nieces and nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his wife and soulmate, Loretta R Bowman and their son, John P Bowman (Johnny). 

Clarence enlisted into the U.S. Army in 1956, serving his country for 22 years.  He served in the Vietnam War where he was awarded the Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal and the Vietnam Gallantry Cross w/Palm Unit Citation.  He also received the Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal and six Good Conduct Medals. Once he retired from Active Duty, he began a career in the U.S. Government, Federal Civil Service in Supply and Administration for the next 15 years. He also attended St. Phillips Community College and received his Associates of Arts degree in Auto Mechanics. 

He loved sports and the outdoors. He was an avid fisherman. His enjoyment was taking his children fishing, whether it was deep sea fishing or freshwater fishing, as long as they were by the water and with his family, he was enjoying life to the fullest. He was an exceptional pool player. If you didn’t break first, you for sure wouldn’t play at all! He taught all of his children to play the game, to which several play “almost” as well as he had. When the family is together, one of the first stops were always to the pool hall for some fun and reminiscing on old times.  

He had a passion for baseball/softball. He was drafted as a catcher for the Minor League (AAA) Cincinneati Reds Baseball team, however he had made a life changing decision to enlist in the Army and serve our country.  He coached military and civilian men’s softball teams for many years to which his children were also a part of. He would take his kids to the softball field for fielding practice for hours at a time. He was never easy on his kids on the field. He made sure there wasn’t any fear of the ball. He would always yell, “ get in front of the ball, get your glove on the ground."

He was truly one incredible man.

Clarence was a devoted husband, father and grandfather who will be tremendously missed. Even though our hearts are broken, we are at peace knowing he is back with Mom for eternity. 

~ Until we see you again DAD ~ Love you more… Clare-Bear 

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