Bowles, Frank L.

Dr. Frank L. Bowles, 87, of Draper, Va., died early on Saturday morning, August 15, 2009, in the Pulaski Health & Rehab-Center. He was born on March 27, 1922, in Mushegon, Mich., and was the son of the late Mac George Bowles and Ione Gilness Bowles. Dr. Bowles enlisted in the United States Army in 1942 and was a demolition expert in the 506th Parachute Infantry of the 101st Airborne Division. After recovering from losing an eye in a training exercise in England, he participated in the battles and campaigns of Normandy, Northern France, Ardennes, Rhineland and Central Europe. He received the World War II Victory Ribbon, Croix de Guerre, Distinguished Unit Badge, European African Middle Eastern Service Ribbon and Belgium Fouragere. He received an honorable discharge on December 6, 1945. Dr. Bowles earned his B.S. at Glenville State College, W.Va., his Masters at Marshall University, W.Va., and his Doctorate of Education at the University of Florida. He taught and coached at the secondary levels in West Virginia and Florida and served as Director of Special Education for the City of Austin, Texas School District before accepting the position of Chair of the Special Education Department at Radford College in 1969. Radford University awarded Faculty Emeritus status to him upon his retirement. His hobbies included golf and weaving. He was a 50 year member of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge A.F. & A.M. of the State of West Virginia with a 32nd Degree. He was also preceded in death by his sisters Carol, Claire and Ellen. Surviving are his wife, Barbara B. Bowles; brother, John Bowles; daughters, Kathy Bowles and Karen Bowles; son, Mac Bowles; and grandchildren, Kaitlyn and Jason Bowles. A graveside service will be held 10 a.m. on Wednesday, August 19, 2009, from the Blacklick Cemetery, Rural Retreat, Va., with the Rev. Edward Schaack officiating and American Legion Post #229 conducting the Military Graveside Rites. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Blacklick Cemetery, c/o Mary N. Cassell, 205 St. Lukes Road, Wytheville, Va. 24382 or to your favorite charity. Arrangements by Stevens Funeral Home, Pulaski, Va.