Marie Kathleen Phillips Bowman

Marie “Kathleen” Phillips Bowman was born in a log cabin on October 7, 1927 in Millerville, Clay County, Alabama. Kathleen was the 2nd of 4 children born to Lester and Gladys Phillips. The Lord called her home on November 24, 2015; she is now singing with the Angels.  She was preceded in death by her parents, husband and love of her life, Fred Bowman, affectionately known as “Bud”, grandson, Mckenzie Bowman, son-in-law, Charlie Harshman, 2 sisters, Murl & Sarah, brother, DB and her beloved 4-legged friend, Reagan. Kathleen loved her Family and is survived by her daughters: Cheryl (Terry) Brown, Sigrid (Jim) Hawkins, Kathy (James) Wilhelm, her son, Phil (Belinda) Bowman, 10 grandchildren, and 12 great grandchildren.

Kathleen was a social butterfly. She enjoyed her military life with husband Fred, especially their tour in Germany in the early 1950’s.  After being stationed at Hurlburt and then Eglin, they settled in Shalimar, Florida. Retiring from military service in 1965, they began their real estate careers in 1966 and in 1968 opened their own business in Crestview, Fred Bowman Realty, Inc. This gave them the opportunity to help many families own a home of their own.  She fondly remembered all of her customers she had the opportunity to serve over the past 50 years.  Kathleen reluctantly retired on December 31, 2013.

Kathleen loved our precious Lord and was a member of Crosspoint United Methodist Church (formerly St Mark UMC) and had been a member of the choir for many years.  She served for numerous organizations, including being an honorary member of the Eastern star and was appointed by President Reagan to the Selective Service Committee. 

 Kathleen was active in politics and was the 1st woman Mayor of Shalimar. She was a devoted, lifelong member of the Democratic Party. She always had an opinion about politics; you didn’t have to ask because she would tell you!  Kathleen was a former councilwoman for the City of Crestview.  She was a past president of both the Crestview Area Board of Realtors and the Crestview Area Chamber of Commerce.  She was a servant of the people.  Kathleen loved to cook and everyone looked forward to her famous pecan pies at Thanksgiving.

The family would like to thank Emerald Coast Hospice and Crosspoint UMC for their loving care of our precious Kathleen.  We always knew they were just a phone call away.

Visitation will be held from 2-4 PM on Friday, November 27, 2015 with the Service following at 4PM at Crosspoint UMC, South Campus, 2250 PJ Adams Parkway, Crestview, Florida  32536. A private burial will be held at 11 AM on Monday, November 30, 2015 at Barrancas National Cemetery in Pensacola. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Kathleen’s name can be made to the United Methodist Children’s Home, in care of Crosspoint UMC. Whitehurst-Powell Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.  

 Service Information