Mr. Walter Jesse “Bo” Bowen, Jr., age 93, former Town Clerk for Washington Park, died Sunday, June 23, 2019, at his home.

Bo, the son of the late Walter Jesse Bowen, Sr. and Hilda Alligood Bowen, was born in Beaufort County on Nov. 30, 1925. He graduated from Washington High School, class of 1943, and later attended East Carolina Teacher’s College. From 1943-1946, he served in the U.S. Navy as a Mineman (MN), Third Class, aboard the U.S.S. Robert H. Smith. He participated in the Okinawa and Iwo Jima campaigns as well as the Japanese surrender.

After his service, Bo worked as Parts Manager for Weyerhaeuser in Plymouth and as an insurance agent in Washington before becoming a manager for the A.B.C. Board in Washington. He worked for the A.B.C. Board for 37 years. Bo also faithfully served as Town Clerk for Washington Park for 35 years.

Bo was a past member of the Washington Jaycees and the Washington Yacht & Country Club. A retired volunteer fireman with the Washington Fire Department, he was also the last living member of the Bow Tie Club. He also served as the honorary mayor of the Beachfront RV Park in Emerald Isle.

In his retirement, Bo spent countless summers camping at the beach, first at Salter Path Family Campground and then at the Beachfront RV Park. He loved the ocean and could often be found in his beach chair at the water’s edge. Making friends everywhere he went, he was known for his mischievous wink and his trademark farewell, “See you in the spring.” He also loved fly fishing, woodworking and watching old westerns.

Bo was married to the former Betty Patton, who preceded him in death Nov. 28, 2008. Married for 59 years, she was the love of his life.

Bo is survived by two sons, Lee Bowen and wife Cyndi, of Washington Park, Michael Bowen and wife Laura, of Wilmington; three grandsons, Christopher, Dylan and Beau Bowen; and his granddogs, Tessa, Josie, Allie, Jack, Finley, Dory and Rogue.

The family will receive friends from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 29, 2019, at Paul Funeral Home & Crematory in Washington. A funeral service will follow at 11:30 a.m. in the chapel of Paul Funeral Home & Crematory, conducted by R. Sam Grist. Burial will follow in Oakdale Cemetery. The following will serve as pallbearers: Tom Richter, Jeff Peacock, Wade Dale, Dennie Dale, Mike Baker and James Woolard.

The family will receive friends at other times at the home.

Flowers are appreciated, or memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Online condolences may be offered to the family by visiting www.paulfuneralhome.com.

Paul Funeral Home & Crematory in Washington is honored to serve the Bowen family.