Bob Bowen

Robert L. (Bob) Bowen entered into the arms of his Savior, The Lord Jesus Christ, on May 28, 2021. Born on Hog Island, he was the son of the late Harvey L. and Anna B. Bowen. He and his mother, father and his sister, Marion moved to Willis Wharf in the late 30's. Dad had a passion for the water, and for several decades, he was an oyster farmer. His father, and a host of uncles were all watermen. Oysters and clams were primarily what they harvested. In 1951, he met his high school sweetheart, Verna Boole, of Exmore. They were married in 1954 at Exmore Baptist Church. He was very active at the churches he attended, from being a deacon, Sunday School teacher to leading the worship service. He had a passion for music. He played the piano and guitar. For many years he played piano for the Gloryland Singers, and the Mater's 4, a singing group that he played for about 40 years. His passion of music was Country, Southern Gospel style, and he loved the old time hymns. At times he would play piano and his son John would be at the organ, praising the Lord and being a witness and blessing for those who were there. In 1963, they adopted their first son, John, and in 1964 they adopted Adam. Dad was a loving parent, a role model for raising his family as devout Christians. In 1992, he lost his wife, Verna, due to cancer.  In 1993 he met Anna B. Kello of Virginia Beach, and they were married at Kempsville Baptist Church in July, 1993. Although Dad was a true Eastern Shoreman, he would eventually make Virginia Beach his home.

Bob leaves behind a loving and devoted wife, Anna, sons,John M. of Philadelphia, PA, and Adam G. (Ann) of Aylet, VA; Roy and Ann Adams, (Verna's sister and husband), Ann's son Christian, (Virginia and son Nicholas.) He also leaves behind two brothers in-law, Charles Jr., and Bobby Kello; sisters-in-law, Ann and Kim(Richard); niece Terry Berrie;  and a host of nephews and nieces, and grandchildren.

A viewing will be held at Hollomon-Brown Funeral Home, Bayside Chapel, at 1457 Independence Blvd., Virginia Beach June 15, 2021, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Burial will be June 16, 2021, at Belle Haven Cemetery in Belle Haven, VA, at 1:30 p.m. with viewing prior to the service.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.doughtyfuneralhome.com