Dr. Robert Henry Bowden, Jr.

Dr. Robert H. Bowden Jr., a beloved Obstetrician Gynecologist of Lynchburg, passed away peacefully on December 15, 2024, at the age of 91. Born to Robert and Evelyn Bowden on August 28, 1933, in Birmingham, AL. Bob moved throughout the Southeast with his parents, before landing in Madisonville, KY. While in Madisonville, a doctor friend of the family took an interest in Bob and helped guide him towards a medical career. He left Kentucky to attend Virginia Military Institute (VMI).

At VMI, Bob met the love of his life, Jane Adams Frost, on a blind date. The two were together from that day forward and celebrated an extraordinary 67 years of marriage. After graduating in 1955, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army. He went on to pursue his second great love: medicine. He graduated from the University of Virginia School of Medicine in 1959 and did his residency at Johns Hopkins University Hospital and Bowman Gray School of Medicine in Winston-Salem.

After his training, Bob honored his Army obligation and served in Vietnam as a surgeon in a Mobile Army Surgical Hospital (MASH) unit. He completed 20 years of service in the Army, the U.S. Navy reserves and the Marine Corps reserves, 3 of the 4 major branches of the Armed Forces, before retiring as a full Captain in the Navy.

After returning to Lynchburg, Bob started his medical practice. Bob dedicated over five decades of his life to the field of Obstetrics and Gynecology, bringing countless new lives into the world and providing compassionate care to women 

Bob's commitment to his work was evident to all who knew him. He was known for his gentle bedside manner, his unwavering commitment to his patients, and his ability to make everyone feel at ease. When complemented, his reply would be, he was successful due to his wonderful staff and his beloved head nurse Miss Emily (Emily Toler).

Beyond his professional achievements, Bob was a mentor to many young doctors, always willing to share his knowledge and experience. He believed in the importance of continuous learning and voraciously read medical journals and studies even after retirement. He volunteered at the Free Clinic of Lynchburg for many years and continued to share his experience and reach out to his patients.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Bob was a man of diverse passions and pursuits. An avid outdoorsman, he cherished time spent fishing, hunting, and sharing these skills with his three sons. He was a regular member tying flies with the distinguished gentlemen of the Lynchburg Grizzlies. In 1966, Bob achieved a personal milestone by completing the Boston Marathon, a testament to his determination and zest for life. He also had a deep love of history, especially military history. He was a member of the Civil War Round Table and was a guest lecturer. In the summer, he volunteered as a docent at the Virginia Air Museum. Bob was a passionate patriot who believed in the unique greatness of the United States as a beacon of hope and freedom.

Bob is survived by his wife Jane, his sons, Bob, Marshall (Martha), Jim (Heather) and his sister Evelyn Bowden Woodruff of Houston, TX. His legacy also includes his six grandchildren, Bob (Morgan), Nan (Ryan), Mac (Mikayla), Ned (Catharine), Harrison (Tyler) and Clay, along with two great-grandchildren, Marshall and Emma.

The family is most appreciative to Kaky Bowden for her thoughtfulness and support. The family also thanks Jean Barnett for her care and cookies over the last forty years, Diamonds Saunders who provided loving but firm care and support and we are grateful for the care given by Centra Hospice, especially Michelle.

On January 18, 2025, a memorial service will be held at Saint Paul’s Episcopal in Lynchburg at 3:30 P.M. with a reception following at Oakwood Country Club from 4:30 P.M. - 6:30 P.M.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to Virginia Military Institute or St. Paul’s Episcopal Church.

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg, is assisting the family.