Donald Houston Bowman (“Don”, “Donnie”) 86 of Front Royal, Virginia went home to be with our Lord on February 18,2023 surrounded by his loving family.
Don was born on August 24, 1936 in Waynesboro, Virginia and moved to Front Royal as a child. He was greeted in Heaven by his parents, David and Vivian Bowman and sisters, Henrietta Baldwin, and Betty Massey. Don’s spirit lives on through his wife of 67 years, Jacque R. Bowman, children Greg Bowman (Susan) and Allyson B. Higgs (Jeff, dec’d), as well as seven grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren. Don is also survived by his brothers, Bill (Kathy) and Jim (Cindy) and numerous other family members.
Don’s most proud accomplishment in life was being a husband, father, grandfather (Grampy) and he spent all his life in service to his family, helping to raise every generation. Don was loved by all who had the pleasure of meeting him.
Don was a 1955 graduate of Warren County High School, where he and Jacque began dating. He later went on to obtain his Associate of Business degree from Lord Fairfax Community College. Don and Jacque were married in 1956. The love they shared led them to build a beautiful life and family together.
Don was a lifelong member of the Front Royal United Methodist Church where he joyously served the Lord and his church family. His many church contributions included singing in the choir, teaching Sunday school, being a lifelong active member of the United Methodist Men, and served in many other capacities. In addition, Don was influential in the development of Heart Havens. The church recognized Don as a servant of God with the Service Candle in 1977 and again in 2019 as King of the Shrove Tuesday celebration. Don showed his love for the community in many ways including serving on the school board, Salvation Army, 4-H center, and Warren Heritage Society to name a few.
A visitation will be held at Maddox Funeral Home in Front Royal, Virginia on Wednesday, February 22 from 6-8pm. A celebration of life will be held at the Front Royal United Methodist Church on Thursday, February 23 at 12pm with a reception to follow.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Don’s memory to Front Royal UMC, memo (United Methodist Men) 1 W. Main Street, Front Royal, VA 22630.
Don was without question a Dedicated Front Royal United Methodist Church Member who made many contributions to our church. His Leadership & involvement will truly be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Thanks so much for your kind remembrance. Dad loved every minute of his involvement with the church!
This great man will be greatly missed. He was a rock for many over the years. I don’t think I ever saw him mad always smiling or trying to help others. His shoes will be hard to fill.
Thank you, Caz. We are so blessed to be raised by wonderful parents who gave unselfishly to serve others.
A lifelong friend and a wonderful man, husband, father, and grandfather. He will be greatly missed by so many that were blessed B y knowing him. Our love and deepest sympathy to Jacque and their family!
Adele and Wendell
Thank you so much. Donnie/Dad showed us all what true love for family and friends is all about.
Don’s love for Jesus will be etched into my memory forever. His devotion to United Methodist Men’s ministries at Front Royal UMC, Winchester District and Virginia Annual Conference will leave a lasting impact on the lives of many men. Don was a friend and a mentor to me and I will always cherish those times that we were in ministry together. Don’s work for Heart Havens, Saratoga House and those in the developmentally disabled community will be a legacy that will remain forever. I will miss Don, but I cherish the thought of him together with Jesus in celebration of a life well lived. My prayers to Jacque and the family during this very difficult time.
Thank you for such kind words of remembrance. He truly loved serving Jesus and his life reflected that in everything he did.
My brother-in-law, Donnie, we all love him very much and will never, never forget him. He is much loved by those who call him “Uncle Don”. There is a void in this world since he left us. He made an indelible impact on many because of his caring nature. He is our Brother in Christ forever. Nancy Lee and Bill
Thank you Auntie Nee and Bill. Dad loved his family so very much. All the nieces and nephews were just like his own children.
I knew Don through Winchester District United Methodist Men. He was President and I was treasurer. He was one of my favorite people and I always looked forward to any events that we might attend together. He was always an inspiration to me and I believe all who were with him. I will miss him but I know he is with The Lord!
Thank you for your kind remembrance. The UMMen meant so much to Dad/Don.
Don was a friend and an exceptional man and his Faith showed throughout the love for his son ,daughter,grandchildren, great grandchildren and his brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus. Until we all meet again Johnnie
Thank you so much for being part of the family. Dad loved talking to you and really appreciated all the ways you helped with things around the house.
My condolences to Jacque and the family. Was a privilege to have
Thoughts and prayers for Jacque and the family.