Hilman F. Bowden, 91, of Plant City, died May 16, 2015 at home.
Mr. Bowden was born in Enterprise, Alabama and moved to Florida with his family during the Great Depression. He graduated from Plant City High School and joined the United States Navy immediately after Pearl Harbor. Mr. Bowden served his country during World War II and the Korean War. He graduated from Florida Southern College in 1948, but was always a Florida Gator at heart. He was a career banker at Plant City’s Hillsboro State Bank (SunTrust). In retirement, he enjoyed traveling with his wife, Barbara, and attending Gator football games. He and Barbara believed in giving back by donating to various causes such as the South Florida Baptist Hospital, University of Florida Foundation and Plant City’s First Baptist Church. Mr. Bowman served on the Board of Trustees for Hillsborough Community College and was instrumental in establishing the Plant City campus. He also served on the board of directors at Tampa Sports Authority, South Florida Baptist Hospital, Bruton Memorial Library and the Florida Strawberry Festival.
Mr. Bowden is survived by his wife of 64 years, Barbara Bowden; sons, Bud Bowden (Pam) and Charlie Bowden (Leecy); grandchildren, Katie Corby (Alex), Chip Bowden (Nina), Chelsea Bowden, Bailey Bowden and Lindsey Bowden; great-grandson, Brent Corby; mother-in-law, Ledgie H. Alley; two nieces; and one nephew.
The family would like to thank the Aqua Team of LifePath Hospice for all of their compassionate help. A funeral service was held May 19 at Plant City’s First Baptist Church. A committal followed at Oaklawn Cemetery, Plant City. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Plant City’s First Baptist Church building fund, The Foundation at South Florida Baptist Hospital, Meals on Wheels, and/or LifePath Hospice, c/o Chapters Health. Online condolences may be made at HopeWellFuneral.com.