A memorial service is set for 11 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 17 at the Ceres Chapel of Franklin & Downs, 2561 Fifth Street, for Robert Dewitt Bowman, 87, who entered into rest on Monday, Sept. 7, 2015 in Hughson.

A graveside service will immediately follow at Ceres Memorial Park, 1801 E. Whitmore Ave., Ceres.

Born on Oct. 9, 1927 in Sacramento to Rex E. Bowman and Hazel M. Pickett, Robert was a retired building inspector of 35 years for construction companies in South Pasadena, Ceres as well as Stanislaus and Alameda counties. He was the past president of the Yosemite Chapter of International Conference of Building Officials, a former member of the Ceres Planning Commission and Ceres City Council and a Ceres Fire Department volunteer. He was a past president of Ceres Kiwanis Club, a member of the Smyrna Masonic Lodge #532 in Ceres, Scottish Rite Bodies of Stockton, Aahmes Shrine of Livermore, the Order of Eastern Star, Summit Chapter #138 in Knights Ferry, and a life member of the Waterford Sportsmen's Club. Mr. Bowman also belonged to the Retired Employees of Stanislaus County, Retired Employees of Alameda County and E Clampus Vitus #58.

Robert is survived by his loving wife of 11 years, Janice Bowman of Hughson; four daughters, Elaine A. Newkirk of Modesto, Deborah J. Laborough and Janice L. McClurkin, both of Ceres, and Lorna A. Rupe of Chicago, Ill.; four stepsons, Dennis Garner of Texas, Russell Garrett of Modesto, Michael Garrett of Kentucky, and Anthony Garrett of Visalia; and nine grandchildren, 13 step-grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, seven step-great-grandchildren and a great-great-grandchild.

Robert is preceded in death by his parents, brothers Jack L. Bowman and Bill Bowman; and his first wife, Jean Bowman.

In lieu of flowers donations in Robert's name may be made to Shriners Hospital for Children, 2900 N. Rocky Point Drive, Tampa FL 33607; or to The Alexander Cohen Hospice House, 4368 Spyres Way, Modesto CA 95356.

-Ceres (Calif.) Courier
Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2015