Virgil A. Bowman passed away on February 20, 2022, at the age of 95 years, 9 months and 3 days, at Dignity Care Home in Salina, Kansas. He was born May 17, 1926, in Ellis, Kansas, to John and Elizabeth Bowman. He spent his early years in Ellis and Salina attending school and, according to the stories, having lots of fun. He was drafted into the Army during WWII and served from 1944 to 1946 in Europe. He was in the 102nd Infantry Division Company A.
After his honorable discharge, he married Dorothy Sprague of Vesper, Kansas, on September 27, 1947. They were married almost sixty years. They were members of the First Presbyterian Church of Salina. The family they started consisted of sons Steve (Cyndi) of Hutchinson, Rodney (Peggy) of Fort Collins, Colorado, Joe (Barbara) of Marquette, and daughter Glenda (Dave) Rittel of Wichita. There are eleven grandchildren and eighteen great-grandchildren (with number nineteen and twenty on the way).
Virgil worked for Helbert Distributors, S & H Distributors Coors, and Crown Distributors Coors in Salina for twenty-five years. He was a delivery driver, office manager, and in charge of advertising and draft accounts.
A true family man, Virgil enjoyed taking everyone camping, fishing, hunting, and bowling. He loved dancing with Dorothy on Friday nights and playing cards with friends. They often took the family on Sunday afternoon visits with their extended families.
After retirement, Virgil added an almost-daily visit to McDonald’s for coffee with friends and neighbors along with weekly golf games with the regular foursome. He continued to be devoted to his wife through her illness, until her death in 2007.
Left to remember Virgil are his sister, MaryAnn Norris, his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, April 9, 2022, at 2:00 p.m., at Ryan Mortuary in Salina. Military honors will follow at the Sunset Park War Memorial in Salina.
Memorials may be made to Dignity Care Home, Kansas Honor Flight, or Kindred Hospice.
