Bowen, 71 ATLANTA - Louis Thomas Bowen was born on August 13, 1943 in Berlin, Md. and departed this life on Sept. 19, 2014 at Emory University Hospital in Atlanta, Ga. He attended the public schools in Worcester County Maryland. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving on several aircraft carriers all over the world. After 31 years of service, he retired from the Navy and lived in Atlanta, Ga., Lakeview, S.C. and Dover, Del. While in Dover, he was a member and past Master of Prudence Lodge No.6, F&AM, PHA; a member of Electa Chapter No.6, OES - PHA; and C.P. Houston, Jr. Consistory No. 119, A.A.S.R. of Freemasonry NJ - PHA. Louis was an active member of the American Legion, Walter Fox Post 2 in Dover, Del. and Duncan Showell Post 23 in Berlin, Md. Louis was an active member of the Star Hill A.M.E Church in Dover, Del. Louis began a distinguished career in the United States Navy on Feb. 14, 1962. Following recruit training at Naval Training Center Great Lakes, he reported onboard the USS JUPITER (AVS-8) June 5, 1962, he reported in Yokosuka, Japan and was assigned to the deck force. The JUPITER was decommissioned in Bremerton, Wash. May 19, 1964 and in June of 1964, Bowen reported to the USS RANGER CVA-61 in Alameda, Calif. for two years of duty. In Aug. 1966, Bowen reported to the Pre-Commissioning School in Sun Diego, for assignment aboard the USS JOUETT (DLG-29) where he served until 1969. After this three-year tour, he returned to Pre-Commissioning status in San Diego for subsequent duty aboard the USS FRESNO (LST-1182), for commissioning of that ship. A year later, he was assigned to the staff of Commander Amphibious Force Pacific Fleet. Two years later, Master Chief Bowen terminated shore duty for orders on board the USS ORISKANY (CVA-34), followed by a short tour on board the KITTY HAWK (CV-63). In 1975, Bowen reported on board the USS OKINAWA (LPH-3) after turning down orders to Wash. D.C. as Signalman detailer. In 1977, he received orders to Human Resource Management School for training as a Leadership and Drug and Alcohol Instructor at NTC San Diego, Calif. In January 1977, Bowen reported on board the nuclear powered aircraft carrier USS NIMITZ (CVN-68) homeported in Norfolk, Va. After leaving the NIMITZ, he served a tour on board the USS TARAWA (LHA-1). In Jan. 1983, he was assigned to Naval Air Station North Island, San Diego, Calif. as Human Resource Officer until in 1984 as the tour was terminated when a request was made for him to serve aboard the battleship USS NEW JERSEY (BB-62). In 1987, Master Chief Bowen was Assistant Security Officer, followed by Legal Hold Division Officer for Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Fla. In Nov. 1989, he received orders to USS WAINWRIGHT (CG-28), where he has since served as the Command Master Chief. He wears the Navy Commendation Medal, Combat Action and Presidential Citation. Among his other expeditionary, campaign and service awards are seven Good Conduct Awards. He was preceded in death by his mother, Consuella B. Fitchett; father, Arnold Purnell and brother, William E. Purnell. He leaves to mourn his memory; sons, Sean Bowen of Ga.; Tony and Louis, Jr. of Calif.; daughter, Monique of Calif.; brother, John (Glenda) Bowen of Del.; sisters: Lottie Bowen of Calif.; Joyce Joynes and Carla Thomas of Md.; wife, Deena Bowen of Ga. and a host of niece, nephews, cousins (Anthony Davis, just like a brother), uncles, aunts and friends. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 4, 2014 with a one hour viewing prior. There will be a service of fraternal rites at 10 a.m. There will also be a public viewing 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Friday Oct. 3, 2014. All services will be at St. Paul United Methodist Church, 405 Flower Street, Berlin, Md. Services have been entrusted to Bennie Smith Funeral Home, 717 West Division Street, Dover, De. 19904. www.benniesmithfuneralhome.com