Photographer Bob Bowen passes

Robert “Bob” Bowen

Robert “Bob” Lee Bowen passed away on November 25, 2020, after a long struggle with COPD. He was born January 12, 1941 in Huntington, W. VA. 
He enlisted in 1960 and served tours at Quantico, the Armed Forces Radio and Television Station on Okinawa and Leatherneck Magazine.

While at Leatherneck, he served three tours as a combat correspondent in Vietnam. He was selected to attend a special graduate-level, two-semester program (1967-68) in photojournalism at Syracuse University, where he graduated first in his class.

His reward was another tour as a combat correspondent in Vietnam, this time with the First Marine Division. He was selected for warrant officer in 1969 and promoted in 1970. While serving as Chief, Photojournalism Instruction at the Defense Information School in Indianapolis, he was selected for the Limited Duty Officer program and promoted a first lieutenant.

A four-year tour as Station Manager of the Far East Radio and Television Station at Misawa Air Base, Japan, followed. Captain Bowen retired in 1980 while serving as the Marine Corps Spokesman in the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs at the Pentagon.
He retired a second time in 1996 following government service as a public affairs officer and writer/editor with the State Department, Justice Department and Voice of America. Military medals and decorations include Bronze Star with Combat V, Purple Heart Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal with Combat V, Navy Achievement Medal with bronze star in lieu of second award, and Combat Action Ribbon, among others.

Photos made by Robert Bowen in Vietnam earned him the title “Runner-up, Military Photographer of the Year” in 1967. He was inducted into Kappa Alpha Mu, the National Honorary Fraternity in Photojournalism at the University of Missouri in 1972. While still serving on active duty, he served as Commander of Woodbridge Post 364 of The American Legion. He served as Virginia’s State Commander of the Legion in 1991-92 and as National Vice Commander in 1996-97. He was also active in the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution. He has served as President of the Fielding Lewis Chapter in Fredericksburg, Virginia, President of the Virginia Society of the SAR in 2010-11, National Vice President General in 2007-08, and Historian General in 2013-14.

Some of his more recent accomplishments included publication of his book in 2017, “My Life and Lens, The Story of A Marine Corps Combat Correspondent,” and republication of his articles including the photo cover of the November 2019 issue of Leatherneck Magazine. He will be sadly missed by his family and friends, but leaves behind many cherished memories. He will be laid to rest at Quantico National Cemetery in a private ceremony. Donations may be made in his memory to the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation.

He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Helen R. Bowen, whom he often referred to as “the wind beneath his wings,” his 5 children from his first wife, son, Jack Bowen & wife Kathy from Kilmarnock, VA, daughter, Donna B. Roy & husband Timothy of Virginia Beach, VA, son Bob O. Bowen & wife Reina of Virginia Beach, VA, sons Alan M. Bowen and Brian T. Bowen both from Norfolk, VA, his sister, Dolores Cooper of Norfolk, VA and 3 step-children, Brenda DeGrasse and Brian Seeling both from Spotsylvania, VA, and Ralph De Grasse of Chalmette, LA. He also leaves behind numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces & nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas Benton Bowen, Sr. and Mary Ella Bowen, and his brother, Thomas Benton Bowen, Jr.