Remembering Francis “Frank” Bowen: A Life of Service and Family in Florida

Francis “Frank” Bowen, a resident known for his dedication to family and service, passed away on June 20, 2026, at the age of 88. Born on November 5, 1937, in Carmel, Maine, Frank was the son of Howard and Viva Bowen. Following his graduation from Maine Central Institute, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. Shortly thereafter, he married Anne McCready Bowen, with whom he shared a remarkable 69 years of marriage.

Frank earned a degree in Business Administration from the University of Maryland and dedicated 20 years of his career to the Bermuda MSFN Tracking Station, embracing island life while raising his daughters. He spent an impressive 31 years with the Bendix Field Engineering Corporation, taking on various roles at several tracking facilities including those in Bermuda, Guam, and locations involved in the NASA space missions such as Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo. His contributions were recognized with numerous awards, including the Astronaut’s Silver Snoopy Individual Award, highlighting his commitment to excellence in his field.

In his retirement, Frank enjoyed a range of activities including cruises, golf, and fishing, spending quality time with friends at Tanglewood. Known affectionately as “Granddad,” he will be remembered for his strong work ethic and being a “Jack of all trades.” He is survived by his daughter, Brenda Melancon, four grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandson. Frank was preceded in death by his wife, Anne, his daughter, Janet Collins, and his grandson, Beau Melancon.

A memorial graveside service is scheduled for June 30, 2026, at Serenity Gardens, located at 6208 Stewart Street, Milton, Florida, starting at 2:00 p.m. Frank Bowen’s legacy of honor and service will be cherished by all who knew him.