Oscar Eugene Bowles was born November 12, 1930 to Lindon and Onnie Bowles in Farmington, NC. Oscar was the 2nd oldest of 11 siblings (7 boys and 4 girls).

Oscar served in the United States Air Force for 28 years and retired as a Lieutenant Colonel. He completed his flight training at Stallings AFB in North Carolina, and he flew the C-123 tactical airlift and C-131 transport for 5 years, but most of his service was flying the B-52 bomber.  Oscar served his country in Vietnam in 1970 – 1971.  He eventually became the Commander of 28th Bomb Squadron in Robins AFB in Georgia.

For his service, Oscar received the Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Longevity Service Award with 4 Oak Leaf Clusters, National Defense Service Medal, Viet Nam Service Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, and Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross.

After retiring from the Air Force, Oscar was fortunate to continue his love of flying as the pilot for Joseph Mandolfo, an entrepreneur with a number of Pizza Hut restaurants in the Midwest and in Canada.  In addition to taking Joe to visit his restaurants, Oscar flew Joe on fishing trips to Knee Lake in Manitoba and Nebraska Cornhusker bowl games in Phoenix.

Oscar found no greater joy than flying and he loved telling stories of his many hours in the sky. In addition to flying, Oscar loved spending time with his family.  He enjoyed golf and playing bridge.  Oscar was a member of the Little River United Methodist Church in Woodstock, GA.

Oscar is survived by his wife of 63 years, Lamira K. Bowles, his daughter, Laurie Bowles of Papillion, NE, his son David Bowles and wife Kristina Bowles, and grandsons Henry and Wesley Bowles of Tampa, FL.  He is also survived by brothers James Bowles of Concord, NC and Charlie Bowles of Colorado Springs, CO and sisters Sue Darby of Yadkinville, NC and Shirley Styers of Walkerton, NC, and numerous nieces and nephews.

"Before you close my logbook, please make just one more entry; for you see, I've made my last flight to a new and better place. I took my training early to be ready for this flight, where no one could go with me, to be sure I'd do it right. The manual was so flawless. I could go by every line, and I found that such direction brought me home just fine. The Instructor too was perfect. He made it all so clear, that when I took my journey, I found I had no fear. So, please make one more entry "My Greatest Solo Done". I've landed safe in Heaven and the crown of life is won."  Anonymous.

In lieu of flowers, Oscar would have appreciated a donation to the Daedalians, an organization that supports interest in aviation among young people considering a military flying career. Oscar was a lifetime member. www.daedalians.org.