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John Newton Bowden died May 27, 2006 at the age of 82 years from complications associated with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder. He was born December 8, 1923 in Juiz da Fora, Brazil, the son of Eula Harper and Jalmar Bowden who spent their careers there as Methodist Missionaries. After coming to the United States at the age of 17, John graduated from Southern Methodist University with a Bachelor of Science Degree. He was a member of Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity. He earned his Master of Science Degree from the University of Texas. He served as a Seaman First Class in the U.S. Navy during World War II and was a member of the American Legion, Post 2. His career as a research chemist moved him from Austin, Texas to Crystal Lake, Illinois and to San Antonio, Texas. He retired from Southwest Research Institute after working there 31 years. He played a significant role in the development of fuel and lubricant additives for the armed forces for extreme climate conditions such as those experienced in desert wars. He was a member of the American Chemical Society and the American Society for Testing and Materials. He was instrumental in the development of the Southwest Research Institute Federal Credit Union and served as its President for ten years. He loved music and enjoyed a 45 year membership in the Chordsmen Chorus. He will be remembered by many as the bass tuba player and bass singer in the Freeloaders Comedy Quartet with his good friends, Chester Lee, Jim Grim and Chuck Remling. In recent months he continued his love of music as a member of the Morningside Meadows Mens Quartet. He and his wife, Eugenia, were members of the Stardusters Dance Club and the San Antonio Genealogical and Historical Society. He was an active member of Jefferson United Methodist Church where he served on staff in many capacities after his retirement. His participation in the choir was a particular joy in his life. He was a member of the San Antonio Emmaus Community and was instrumental in starting similar communities in Brazil. John has a large and loving family. He is preceded in death by his wife of 42 years, Eugenia Gallatin Bowden and his sister Mary Bowden Hicks. He is survived by his sister, Sarah Francis Bowden of Asheville, North Carolina. His children and step children are Thomas Bowden and wife Susan Stroh, Helen Josephine and husband Dale Callaway, Jalmar Stephen Bowden and wife Annette, Matthew Bowden and wife Barbara Forbes, Marion McHenry and husband Bob, Carolyn Bowden, Elizabeth Darnall and husband Bill, and Albert Smith and wife Colleen. His grandchildren include Chris, Michael and Ishan Mons; Garth and Brent Bowden; Alanna, Kevin and Darren Callaway; John, Antonia, and Aria Bowden; Laura, Adam and Colin Smith; and Sarah Darnall. His first great grandchild, Maile Mons was born March 15, 2006. He is also survived by brother-in-law Albert R. Gallatin, sister-in-law Mary Gallatin Bass, and nieces Lisa Lombardi and Marce Farr. Those wishing to make donations as a memorial to John in lieu of flowers may do so to Jefferson United Methodist Church. SERVICE There will be a public visitation held on Friday, June 2, 2006 from 6 8 P.M. in the Mission Park Funeral Chapels North. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 3, 2006 at 11:00 a.m. in the Jefferson United Methodist Church.

Tributes

John Newton Bowden

December 8, 1923 - May 27, 2006