DALE F. BOWLIN
September 6, 1924 ~ November 13, 2016
Dale F. Bowlin passed away in Vancouver, WA on Nov. 13, 2016. He was born Sept. 6, 1924, in Lebo, KS, to Frank and Mabel (Watkinson) Bowlin. He was educated at Lebo High School, Emporia State Teachers' College, BYU and Kansas State. He earned a BS in Mechanical Engineering.
Dale served in the US Army prior to marrying his high school sweetheart, Phyllis Perry, in Nov. 1945.
He was employed by FMC for most of his career.
Dale was active in his church, Rotary, Am. Ex-POWs, and the Amputee Support Group. He especially enjoyed his involvement with the 70th Infantry Division Assn.
Dale enjoyed speaking with students about his wartime experiences, emphasizing the compassion of the soldiers, medical personnel and townsfolk he encountered. He wanted children to know the importance of forgiveness - even in war.
He was preceded in death by his wife.
Dale is survived by his children, Sherida, Robert and Janet; 4 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; and special friends, Heidi Freeman and Helen Shinn.
Services will be held at 3:00, Monday, Nov. 21, 2016, at 1st United Methodist in Vancouver, and in Lebo, KS in June 2017.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Friends of the Carpenter, the Salvation Army or the charity of the donor's choice.
Please sign Dale's Guest Book at www.columbian.com/obits.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
I do not remember ever having the chance to meet Dale, my dad John Bowlin, and he were cousins (and oh my do they look alike!). It was by chance I happened to see this obituary, I wish I could have visited with him, he sounds like a fascinating person. Thank you for your service Dale.
Toni Bowlin
December 6, 2016
Condolences to the Bowlin family on the loss of this kind man. My husband, David DeLong, knew the Bowlins growing up and we exchanged Christmas letters every year. Dave admired Dale and enjoyed keeping the connection alive.
A life well-lived...Mary DeLong
November 27, 2016
Dale was a true gentleman, a great American hero, and an inspiration to all of us who knew him in the Bowlin family. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of his children and their families.
Randy and Karen Rahberg
November 23, 2016
sorry for your loss, My Dad worked with him for many years at fmc
Christine Cain
November 19, 2016
My late husband worked with Dale and was
his friend for many years. I have kept in touch with him at Xmas for a long time, a nice man, he will be missed.
Annie Perry
November 19, 2016
It was a honor to meet such a great WW2 survivor POW and wonderful human being, Was fortunate to meet him with Gene Ligget many time over the years RIP Mr, Bowlin my deepest sympathy to his family Bruce Barker
November 19, 2016
My family was often invited to go to Mr. Bowlin's house for dinner when I was a child. I remember him as a very pleasant man. My Dad worked for him at FMC and only had good things to say about him.
Steve Perry
November 19, 2016
Met Dale and heard his story at the Ocean Park Adult Retreat and was spellbound. Dale was an inspiration! His faith, courage and positive, forgiving attitude will be remembered.
Sharon Morrison
November 18, 2016
I will miss a patriot and a true American hero.
Larry J. Smith Colonel USA (Ret)
November 18, 2016
Wonderful human being with a heart of Gold. God Bless him and his family.
November 18, 2016
Dale and Phyllis were two of the finest people I have ever known. Rest in peace and rise in glory old friend.
Rev. Ed Lane
November 18, 2016
Dale was a remarkable man. He was an inspiration. He was of the Greatest Generation and is one of those people I was glad I met and will never forget.
Bill Honey
November 18, 2016
Dale was a true friend, a great Rotarian and a special person.
Charlie and Patti Bishop
November 18, 2016
Occasionally we will meet people during our life journey that we will never forget. For me Dale was one of those people. I met Dale one morning swimming laps in a local pool. As I walked into the men's dressing room I noticed an artificial leg standing next to a locker. That is not something you see every day and aroused my curiosity. Who was the owner of this appliance? I would soon find out. I met Dale that day and learned his story of a veteran of WW II, and his recovery from a serious wound during the Battle of the Bulge in Europe. This story was featured in the Columbian much later. Dale was one the most positive individuals I ever met. He made you happy just to know him. His search for knowledge and interest in life were inspiring. God Speed Dale and Blessings to you in your life in the hereafter.
Jack McClary
November 18, 2016
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