Mr. Clarence Bennie “Bud” Bowden, 92, of Atlantic, son of Clarence Burton Bowden and Nettie Simpson Bowden, was called home to the Lord Friday, Oct. 1, 2021, in Atlantic, surrounded by his loving family.
He is survived by his loving wife of 69 years, Earnestine Bobbie Bowden; five children: Clarence Bennie Bowden and Sally Bowden, of Wallops Island, Faith Ann Berry and John Berry, of Atlantic, Barbara Jean Godwin and Harry Godwin, of Temperanceville, Robert Wayne Bowden and Linda Bowden, of Atlantic, and Mark Allen Bowden and Kim Bowden, of Atlantic; grandchildren, Beth Ross and John, of Gates, N.C., Cristina Mackey and Brian, of Baltimore, Md, John Berry, of Helena, Mont., Amy Conder and Travis, of Midlothian, Va., David Homa II and Samantha, of Atlantic, James Berry, of Fayetteville, N.C., Jeffery Oshaben and Katye, of Wyoming, Ashley Kambarn and Joe, of Chincoteague, Leanna Bowden, of Atlantic, and Alyson Bowden, of Atlantic.
Bud is survived by brother, Jimmy Bowden, and Sandy, of Assawoman; sister, Bertie Lynn, of Michigan; sister-in-law, Carolyn Bowden, of Chincoteague; and several nieces, nephews, and great-grandchildren.
Bud is preceded in death by his father, Clarence Burton Bowden; mother, Nettie Simpson Bowden; Eunice Fecteau, Madeline Ainsworth, Indiana Ellerbee, Betty Hoffman, Jack Bowden, and Carlton Bowden; grandson, Clarence Robert Bowden; great-granddaughter, Angela Mae Berry; and his beloved dog, Lady.
Bud served in the Army and was deployed to the Korean War in 1950. He was a lifelong member of the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company, annually volunteering at the hamburger stand during carnival and Pony Penning. He was a devout member of the Union Baptist Church for several decades, serving as a deacon, worshipping with the Angler’s Bible Class, and he enjoyed singing in the men’s choir. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge, the Eastern Star, and Royal Arch, for several decades.
Bud was a lifelong Chincoteague waterman, and an avid gardener. He had a contagious smile, a generous heart, and he was a proud and dedicated family man.
There was a private viewing for family Oct. 2, 2021. Funeral services were held at Union Baptist Church Sunday, Oct. 3, 2021, followed by a graveside service at John Taylor Cemetery, with Masonic Rites.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Union Baptist Church Benevolence Fund, 6365 Church St., Chincoteague Island, VA 23336, or CVFC, P.O. Box 691, Chincoteague Island, VA 23336.
Services were entrusted to Salyer Funeral Home Inc., on Chincoteague Island.
