Francis Phraner Bowles

Francis Phraner Bowles was born in Summit, New Jersey, to Elizabeth Caroline (Phraner) Bowles and Dr. Harry Hallowell Bowles. He graduated from the Taft School and Wesleyan University, Connecticut (where he was a New England wrestling champion.) He served in the army during WWII, in Colorado at Camp Hale and Fitzsimmons Hospital as a medical technician, and in Italy and France as an infantryman. He stayed in Paris for a year after the war. While earning a Master’s degree at Colombia University in New York, he met Barbara Vehling. They married in 1951, and trips to Bermuda and Europe were the first of many they would take. The couple moved to Greeley in 1953 with their son, Bob, and soon had a daughter, Debbie. Frank opened “Bowles’ Books,” selling college textbooks as well as a variety of literature. He enjoyed many lively discussions at the bookstore, a natural meeting place for friends, teachers, and students. He helped establish and was active in the Clavis Club, which promoted friendship and cooperation between white and Latino businessmen; the Humane Society; the ACLU; and many other organizations. He and Barbara were always interested in people, and happy to give of themselves and their time. They were among the founders of the current Unitarian-Universalist Church of Greeley in 1961, and remained involved in church affairs. They purchased land and built a cabin near Allenspark, which they enjoyed all of their lives. Frank was an avid mountain-climber in his younger days. In 1967, the family moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico, where Frank earned his Ph.D. in American Studies. Upon returning to Greeley, he became a professor in UNC’s English department. He combined his love of reading and writing with his love of sports; he was something of an expert on baseball, and several of his articles were published. In his 50s he discovered Masters’ Track. Participating at first in decathlons, (and earning several national and world records), he stayed active until age 84, when he could no longer throw. In his later years, he became intensely interested in politics and human rights issues. Frank died on October 20 at Life Care Center of Greeley from progressive polyneuropathy. He was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara, on June 3; his parents, his brother, Hal, and sister, Elizabeth. He is survived and greatly missed by his daughter, Deborah, and husband James Peyton; his son, Robert, and wife Patricia Bowles; five grandchildren, Timothy and Chelsea Bowles, and Harris, Emily, and Anna Peyton, all of Greeley; and several nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be on November 9, 2008 at 2:00 P.M. at the Unitarian-Universalist Church of Greeley (929 15th Street). Instead of flowers, contributions may be made to the ACLU or Greenpeace in care of Moser Funeral Service, 3501 S. 11th Avenue, Evans, Colorado 80620.

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Francis Phraner Bowles

May 28, 1921 - October 20, 2008