Linden Bowling 75, passed away Friday August 12, 2011, at the Mabie Skilled Nursing Facility Southside. Linden had been a resident at the facility for over 3 years and was extremely thankful along with his family for the excellent care that he received there.
Linden was originally from Hazard, KY and served in the U.S. Army for twenty years. He had six tours of duty over his 20 year career. His first was as an Army Scout with the 10th Mountain Division in Germany, after shortly leaving for Korea in 1953. He was then stationed at Fort Ord in 1961 and moved to Hollister with his wife Rita in 1963 the year that they were married. In 1967, Linden went to Vietnam as an advisor and in 1970 he returned to Vietnam to oversee operations of the 25th Infantry Division.
Mr. Bowling also ran the San Benito County Jail as Chief Jailer from 1972-1978. He also served as the Veteran Services Officer for San Benito County for many years. He was always trying to assist others with veterans benefits, for themselves, their widows and dependents. He worked diligently in this area to secure medical benefits and cemetery space and any other benefits that were currently available through constant research and many phone calls. Linden’s affiliations included the VFW, DAV, American Legion, San Benito County Sheriff’s Department, County Veteran Service Officers Association.
Linden is survived by his wife of 48 years Rita M. Bowling, his daughters, Gloria Lomanto and Carol Ann Lenoir with husband Brian. Also surviving are granddaughter, Hillary C. Lomanto and Frank Gamez, fiancee, and grandsons Brian Lenoir Jr. and Richard Lenoir. Great-grandchildren surviving are Sammie and Rocco Gamez. Sister and brother -in-law Enes and Cecil Vallejo.
He was predeceased by father Jim Bowling and mother Zona Bowling along with his brother, James and sister Mary Bowling.
Siblings also living are brothers, Robert Bowling, Bige and Sterling Bowling. Sisters, Ann Riley, Imogene Robinson, Joyce Terry and Brenda Daugherty.
Military services to be held as 11:00 A.M. in the courtyard area of the Veterans Memorial Building with a reception to follow at Paine’s Restaurant on Saturday August 20, 2011, at 12:30 P.M.
Contributions are preferred to Pet-Friends of Hollister or Mabie Southside Nursing Facility, C/O Grunnagle-Ament-Nelson Funeral Home, 870 San Benito St., Hollister,Ca95023
Condolences may be sent to wwwGrunnagle.com
