Grafton Eugene Bowman, 84 of Hillsville, and longtime resident of Radford, passed away on Tuesday, May 15, 2007 at Golden Living Center-Blue Ridge. Mr. Bowman was born on October 15, 1922 to Harrison & Otilla Willard Bowman in Carroll County. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife Lorene Cassell Bowman; daughter Joan Bowman Way; sister Margie B. Largen; brothers Delman Bowman and Christie Bowman; and brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Clayton Cassell, Wise Horton, Benton Iroler, Martin Quesenberry, Margaret Horton and Flora Iroler. He is survived by his sisters & brothers-in-law Velma Horton, Vida & Rex Bowman, Hazel & Bill Horton all of Hillsville, and Stella & Louis McGrady of Galax; sister-in-law Hattie Quesenberry of Richmond and many nieces and nephews.

Mr. Bowman retired in July of 1995 from the VPI Police Force after having spent the last 35 years in security or police work. He also served in the U.S.N. during WW II as a Pharmacist Mate 3rd Class. His involvement in various organizations included Life Membership of the Hillsville V.F.W. Post 1115, a member of the Hillsville Masonic Lodge #193 A.F. & A.M. with most of his Masonic Career being in the New River Valley, past Master of Henry Clay #280 in Dublin, VA, past Master of Virginia May #38 in Radford, VA, past High Priest Payton Coles R.A.C. #39 Royal Arts Chapter, past Commander of the Blacksburg Commandry #70, continuous Blue Lodge Membership since 1952 until present and was a member of Gladesboro Lutheran Church.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, May 17, 2007 at Gladesboro Lutheran Church at 11:00 AM with Pastor Duane Steele and Rev. Ronald Kronk officiating. Burial will follow in the Gladesboro Cemetery. Military Rites will be conducted by the Hillsville V.F.W. Post 1115. The family will receive friends at Vaughan-Guynn-McGrady Chapel on Wednesday night from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Gladesboro Lutheran Church.