Larned – Robert Hugh Bowman, 87, passed away April 19, 2015 at the Salina Regional Medical Center, Salina, Kansas.

He was born September 21, 1927 in rural Macksville, Kansas. The son of Hugh and Velma Rice Bowman, Bob attended Zook School, played on the football and basketball teams, sang in a quartet, and graduated in 1945. Bob served in the U.S. Navy and later attended Tulane and Fort Hays State University for three years. After retiring from many years of farming, he became a substance abuse counselor at Larned State Hospital. Bob was an avid K.C. Royals fan and enjoyed watching all sports.

Bob served the community in many ways: the Kansas Farm Bureau board of directors from 1972-1986; board advisor to the Kansas Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers; and he was honored as the Kansas Master Farmer in 1979. Bob also served on the Pawnee County Soil Conservation Board, the Logan Township Board, the administrative boards of Larned and Zook United Methodist Churches, and the Zook School Board.

Bob enjoyed his family, particularly his grandkids, and had a wonderful sense of humor which he carried to his last days. He was viewed by many as a mentor, especially for his work with the Kansas Young Farmers and Ranchers.

On July 6, 1950 he married Mary Lou Robertson, who survives and mourns her spouse of 65 years. Other survivors include: his children, David (Linda) Bowman – Wichita, Susan (David) Rose – Salina, Doug (Sandy) Bowman – Perry, and Dan Bowman – Kansas City, MO.; a brother, Herb (Kathy) Bowman – Larned; a sister, Evelyn (Glenn) Bergmann – Olathe, and six grandchildren, Chris & Brian Rose; Ben & Andy Bowman; and Amanda and Ali Bowman. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Bob was a member of the University United Methodist Church in Salina.
A Celebration of Life will be held from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m., Saturday, April 25, 2015, at the First United Methodist Church fellowship hall in Larned, with Rev. Mike Rose, University UMC Salina, presiding. Interment will be held at the Larned Cemetery, Larned.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society or the Pawnee County 4-H foundation in care of Beckwith Mortuary, Box 477 Larned, KS 67550. Condolences may be sent to www.beckwithmortuary.com.