Louis Thomas Bowen

Louis Thomas Bowen was born on August 13, 1943 in Berlin, MD and departed this life on September 19, 2014 at Emory University Hospital in Atlanta, GA. He attended the public schools in Worcester County Maryland. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving on several aircraft carriers all over the world. After 31 years of service, he retired from the Navy and lived in Atlanta, GA; Lakeview, SC and Dover, DE. While in Dover, he was a member and past Master of Prudence Lodge No.6, F&AM, PHA; a member of Electa Chapter No.6, OES - PHA; and C.P. Houston, Jr. Consistory No. 119, A.A.S.R. of Freemasonry, NJ - PHA. Louis was an active member of the American Legion, Walter Fox Post 2 in Dover, DE and Duncan Showell Post 231 in Berlin, MD. Louis was an active member of the Star Hill A.M.E Church in Dover, DE. He was preceded in death by his mother, Consuella B. Fitchett; father, Arnold Purnell and brother, William E. Purnell. He leaves to mourn his memory: sons, Sean Bowen of Georgia; Tony and Louis, Jr. of California; daughter, Monique of California; brother, John (Glenda) Bowen of Delaware; sisters: Lottie Bowen of California; Joyce Joynes and Carla Thomas of Maryland; wife, Deena Bowen of Georgia and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins (Anthony Davis, just like a brother), uncles, aunts and friends. Louis began a distinguished career in the United States Navy on February 14, 1962. Following recruit training at Naval Training Center Great Lakes, he reported onboard the USS JUPITER (AVS-8) June5, 1962, he reported in Yokosuka, Japan and was assigned to the deck force. The JUPITER was decommissioned in Bremerton, Wash. May 19, 1964 and in June of 1964, Bowen reported to the USS RANGER CVA-61 in Alameda, CA. for two years of duty. In August 1966, Bowen reported to the Pre-Commissioning School in San Diego, for assignment aboard the USS JOUETT (DLG-29) where he served until 1969. After this three-year tour, he returned to Pre-Commissioning status in San Diego for subsequent duty aboard the USS FRESNO (LST-1182), for commissioning of that ship. A year later; he was assigned to the staff of Commander Amphibious Force Pacific Fleet. Two years later, Master Chief Bowen terminated shore duty for orders on board the USS ORISKANY (CVA-34), followed by a short tour on board the KITTY HAWK (CV-63). In 1975, Bowen reported on board the USS OKINAWA (LPH-3) after turning down orders to Wash. D.C. as Signalman detailer. In 1977, he received orders to Human Resource Management School for training as a Leadership, and Drug and Alcohol Instructor at NTC San Diego, CA. In January 1977, Bowen reported on board the nuclear powered aircraft carrier USS NIMITZ (CVN-68) homeported in Norfolk, VA. After leaving the NIMITZ, he served a tour on board the USS TARAWA (LHA-1). In January 1983, he was assigned to Naval Air Station North Island, San Diego, CA. as Human Resource Officer until in 1984 as the tour was terminated when a request was made for him to serve aboard the battleship USS NEW JERSEY (BB-62). In 1987, Master Chief Bowen was Assistant Security Officer, followed by Legal Hold Division Officer for Naval Air Station Jacksonville, FL. In November 1989, he received orders to USS WAINWRIGHT (CG-28), where he has since served as the Command Master Chief. He wears the Navy Commendation Medal, Combat Action and Presidential Citation. Among his other expeditionary, campaign and service awards are seven Good Conduct Awards. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Louis Thomas Bowen, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.

Louis Thomas Bowen

August 13, 1943 - September 19, 2014