Ernest Bowen

Tupelo - Ernest Lake Bowen, Jr., 88, died Friday, May 29, 2009, at The North Mississippi Medical Center after a brief illness. An Amory native, he was born August 24, 1920 to Ernest L. and Charlie Evelyn Bowen. He was a longtime resident of Tupelo and a recent resident of the Mitchell Center at Traceway Retirement Community. At an early age he moved to Tupelo where he was a graduate of the Tupelo High School Class of 1938. While in high school, he was a member of the American Legion Band. In 1942, he graduated from Mississippi State University. After graduation, he joined the U.S. Navy where he served as a 1st Class Duty officer aboard a supply ship, the USS Denabola. He married his wife of 63 years, Virginia Baker of Pontotoc December 20, 1945, who was a WAC stationed in Beaumont, Texas.
After returning to Tupelo, he was a salesman for L.P. McCarty and Sons before beginning his broadcasting career at WELO Radio in 1951. In 1956, he was named WELO's General Manager. He was past president of the Mississipppi Broadcaster's Association and served as a Tupelo City Alderman. In addition, he was active in the Rotary Club, Yoccona Area Council Boy Scouts, and the Lee United Neighbors and was a Precinct Election Captain. Through his life he was frequently quoted, interviewed, photographed and filmed for his vast knowledge of the 1936 Tupelo tornado, his memories of WWII, Tupelo history and of Elvis and the Presley family. Recently he was documented for his WWII memories for the Lee County Historical Society. During his retirement years, he and his wife enjoyed building birdhouses, and exhibted at the Gum Tree Festival and the Tupelo Flea Market. He was a member of First United Methodist Church where he served as an usher and on the Board of Stewards.

Memorial Services will be 11 a.m. Monday at The Jefferson Street Chapel of W. E. Pegues with Rev. Andy Ray officiating.

Survivors include his daughter, Carol Bowen Tucker (Richard) of Madison; a son, Ernest (Bunny) Bowen, III (Mary Helen) of Jackson; grandsons, Richard (Bo) Bowen Tucker (Emily) and William Christopher Tucker (Anna), all of Madison, and Michael Lake Bowen of Jackson; four great-grandchildren, triplets, Jack Bowen, Elizabeth Grace, and Bryce Blake Tucker, and Taylor Ann Tucker, all of Madison; a brother, David Bowen (Joan) of Tupelo.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Helen Ausley; and his wife, Virginia.

Visitation will be 10 to 11 a.m. Monday at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church, PO Box 854, Tupelo MS 38802.

Expressions of sympathy may be left at www.peguesfuneralhome.com