Gerald Bowman

Gerald Bowman, 83, of Elkins passed away Friday, March 7, 2014, at Willard Walker Hospice Home. He was born Aug. 3, 1930, in Wild Cat Holler, Dardanelle, Ark., to Sparlin Bowman and Nettie Raulston Bowman. Gerald was a veteran of the Korean War and made three trips around the world aboard the USS Laffey. After his tour of duty, Gerald married the love of his life since the age of 12, Lori. He spent 22 years as a field supervisor in the USDA, implementing the food stamp program. After he left the USDA, Gerald sold real estate in the NWA area with Lindsey and Associates. Behind his work life, Gerald and Lori raised two children, Kevin and Kim. He was known and remembered by everyone he met by his genuine love and thoughtfulness. He had a strong faith and loved being outdoors. He took care of his soul mate, Lori, for nine years after she was diagnosed with Alzheimer's. In February of 2013, the USS Laffey, now a museum in port at Patriots Point, S.C., held a special celebration where Gerald walked the gang plank 60 years after his first step onto the ship. The Dream Foundation and Hardees made the memorable trip possible. His Navy uniform and a recorded account of the war is now part of the USS Laffey Museum. In September of 2013, he and his daughter, Kim, made one last trip to his beloved, Belize; his last bucket list wish. The last three years of his life were spent with his daughter, Kim, and his grandchildren, Hunter, Hayden and Hannah, who were his daily caregivers and his best friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Clarence "Bo" Bowman; his soul mate, Delora "Lori" Wilkinson Bowman. Survivors include his daughter, Kim Bowman Billings; son, Kevin Bowman and wife, Pam; grandchildren, Hunter Guffey, Hayden Guffey, Hannah Billings, Brandon Demarest and Loren Lucas; and his best friend, JD Drummond. A special thank you to Dr. Amy Morton, WRMC Hospice and the Willard Walker Hospice Home. A graveside service will be held Friday, March 14, 2014, at noon, with the Rev. Sara Bainbridge officiating. Burial will be at the Fayetteville National Cemetery. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Beard's Funeral Chapel. There will be a celebration gathering afterwards at the Catfish Hole. In lieu of flowers, the family would like donations to be made through Arvest Bank to the Bowman's Rocky Ridge Riding Ranch for Girls, a non-profit organization. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.beardsfuneralchapel.com.