Elmer S. Bowman, 85 of Raynham, passed away peacefully, Monday January 15th in his home surrounded by loved ones.
The eldest of six Elmer was born in South Weymouth to Sinclair and Nettie (Vinton) Bowman.
After 21 years of service, Elmer retired from the Army as a Specialist First Class. He served several tours during Korea and Viet Nam earning numerous commendations including the Purple Heart, the Combat Infantry Badge, Army Presidential Unit Citation, Army Commendation Medal and multiple Good Conduct Medals.
He was a mentor to many volunteering his time to the Boy Scouts, the Order of DeMolay and the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls. He was a member of the Grange, the American Legion and the VFW. He also holds the highest title of honor bestowed by the Commonwealth of Kentucky, a Kentucky Colonel, issued by the governor for recognition of outstanding service.
He had a long and distinguished fraternal career. He was active in the Freemasons at both the local and state levels for over 50 years receiving the Benjamin Hurd Meritorious Service Medal and the Abraham Dame Medal. Locally he presided over Wessagusset Lodge, Pilgrim and Pentalpha Royal Arch Chapters, Abington Council and Temple Council of Royal and Select Masters, Old Colony Commandery #15 Knights Templar, Old Colony Consistory and Samuel Crocker Lawrence Council Princes of Jerusalem of the Scottish Rite, and Wessagusset Chapter Order of the Eastern Star. He was a member of Bryan Lodge # 303 in GA. On a state level he was a Past Grand Tyler and a member of the Exemplification Degree Team for the Grand Royal Arch Chapter, Past Deputy Grand Master of the Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters of Ma, Past Prior of Roger Williams Priory #48, Knights of the York Cross of Honor of RI, Past District Deputy Supreme Tall Cedar of the Tall Cedars of Lebanon. He was also active in the Oddfellows. Locally he presided over Franklin Lodge #23, Massachusetts Lodge #1, Canonicus Lodge #9 RI, Massasoit Encampment #1, Greater Boston Encampment #2, Quinshepaug Encampment #20, Wampanoag Encampment RI, Canton Shawmut #1, Canton Fuller #79, Wildey Rebekah Lodge #193, Seven Stars Rebekah Lodge #164. On a state level he was a Past Grand Patriarch of the Grand Encampment of Ma, Past District Deputy Grand Master for Grand Lodge of Ma, Past Grand Monarch of Asop Sanctorum #134, Past Divisional Supreme Monarchos of the New England Division AMOS and an officer of the Department Council of Southern New England, Patriarchs Militant.
He was preceded by his bride of 64 years Audrey (McCarthy) Bowman and his son David S. Bowman of Georgia. He is the brother of Rosanne (Bowman) McAndrews Easter of South Carolina, Herbert Bowman of Florida, William Bowman of Maine, Marjorie (Bowman) Bryson and Robert Bowman of Texas. He leaves behind a daughter Sharmane (Bowman) Levesque of Raynham, a son Daniel Bowman of Weymouth, a daughter in law Mary (Stuart) Bowman of Georgia and God daughter Rose Monti of Rhode Island. Six grandchildren: Carrie (Bowman) Blackburn and David M. Bowman of Georgia, Katie (Bowman) Wilmot of Braintree, Brandon Joseph of Pembroke, Abbie (Joseph) Wolent and Winston Joseph of Raynham and 22 Great Grandchildren.
Services to be held at Blanchard Funeral Chapel, Plymouth St (Rte. 58 at the rotary circle) Whitman on Sunday January 21st from 2-6pm, with a Masonic Service at 5pm. Funeral will be held at the United Methodist Church in Whitman on Monday January 22nd at 11am followed by a short service at the Bourne National Cemetery at 1:30pm.
Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to Shriners Hospital Boston, Transportation Fund.