CMSgt William Allison “Bill” Bowes, age 90 (two days shy of his 91st birthday), of DeFuniak Springs, passed away on October 27, 2025 in his home surrounded by loved ones. He was born on October 29, 1934, in Wheeling, West Virginia. He spent his first seven years in Martins Ferry, Ohio and then moved to Akron, Ohio in the 4th Grade. Bill graduated from Central High School in 1953 then continued his education at Ohio State University. Bill joined the U.S. Air Force in February 1953 to avoid his draft notice. He proudly spent 28 years in uniform ending his career as a Chief Master Sergeant, and his total military career spanned “50 years, 5 months, and 7 days” of uniformed service and civil service combined. He spent the majority of those 50+ years working in the simulator career field, first with the B-29 Superfortress and ending with the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter at Eglin AFB. His military career took him all over the US and abroad to include Texas, Mississippi, Illinois, Kansas, New York, Okinawa, Florida, Indiana, Oklahoma, and Utah. Following a distinguished career in the United States Air Force Bill decided that he could not leave well enough alone and applied for and was accepted in the civil service, 6 months after his retirement from the Air Force. He continued working with flight training and simulators during his time in the Civil Service. He spent this portion of his career in Florida working at NAS Whiting Field, Duke Field, Hurlbert AFB, and Eglin AFB. Bill was very proud of his time in the military and loved to talk about his extensive career. He was an avid sports enthusiast playing football in high school and receiving a football scholarship with Ohio State. In his spare time, Bill continued his love for sports as a high school, college, and semi-pro referee. Bill was very proud of his time at Ohio State University, and continued to be an avid Ohio State fan until the end. Bill loved backyard barbecues, fishing, and traveling. Each year on his birthday, he could be found in Gatlinburg, savoring the crisp mountain air and the vibrant reds and golds of the autumn leaves. He also cherished his time at sea, embarking on many cruises—whether exploring the Caribbean or, most memorably, marveling at the breathtaking scenery on his favorite trip to Alaska.
He is survived by his spouse, Jeanne C. Bowes., daughter Kathy Bossenberger (Brian), son Gary Bowes, stepchildren Amy Manning (Anthony) and Anne Zimmerman-Cunningham (Nicholas). Grandchildren, Allison Samo (Scott), Ashley Kegel (Erich), Cody Bowes, Lillian Cunningham and McKenna Cunningham. Great grandchildren Emmett and Riley Kegel. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Don and Laura Bowes and his brother, Don Hays (Audrey).
A private celebration of life will be scheduled at a future date, after which he will be interred at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington D.C., with full military honors. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Alaqua Animal Refuge or Tunnel to Towers Foundation (T2T.org).
