Edward Clark Bowdle

Edward Clark Bowdle, 87, died Saturday, April 4 after a short illness.
He will be remembered for his devotion to our country, the United States Army and to the love of his life, Mary Catherine Diamond Bowdle, who predeceased him in 2006.
He was born in Federalsburg, Maryland in 1921. He was career military, serving in World War II, the Korean Conflict and the Viet Nam war.
Mr. Bowdle was a member of the 101st Airborne Division, known as the Screamin' Eagles. He parachuted behind enemy lines in Normandy on June 6, 1944 and was wounded in the Battle to capture Carentan, France. Later he parachuted into Holland to assist in the liberation of the Dutch city of Eindhoven. He then fought in the Battle of Bastogne and was wounded a second time.
He was awarded the Bronze Star with two Oak Leave Clusters, crediting him with three acts of bravery, as well as two Purple Hearts.
He fought in the Korean Conflict and served as a military advisor in the Viet Nam war. After returning from Korea a second time, he taught ROTC at Penn State University and ended his career as a combat construction specialist with the 44th Engineering Brigade and the rank of Sergeant Major.
He married his high school sweetheart, Mary Catherine Hastings Diamond, in 1984 after she had been widowed. They enjoyed 23 years together traveling worldwide and playing golf.
Mr. Bowdle attended Wilmington Island Methodist Church and was a member of the American Legion. An avid golfer, he was a former member of the Savannah Golf Club and the Georgia Seniors Golf Association. He had four hole-in-ones. While living in Clearwater, Florida, he was among a group of golfers, retired from the military, who helped encourage young Paul Azinger to pursue golf at the pro level.
He is survived by one brother-in-law, Robert Piester of Neubo, California, a sister-in-law Florence Bowdle of Hurlock, Maryland, several nieces and nephews, one step-daughter Patricia L. Jordan and her husband, William "Buttons", one step-son, Robert L. Diamond and his wife Miriam and four step-grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, donations to The First Tee of Savannah, 392 Commercial Drive, Suite 130, Savannah, GA 31406, would be appreciated.
A graveside service at Greenwich Cemetery will be held Tuesday, April 7 at 11:00 a.m.

Fox and Weeks Funeral Directors,
Hodgson Chapel.