Daniel Gene Bowman

Daniel Gene Bowman, 42, of Salem and Roanoke, passed away Thursday, January 23, 2014 after a heroic and courageous battle with a rare cancer. Dan was born in Roanoke on November 24, 1971. He was lovingly devoted to his wife Staci Gilley Bowman for 17 years, and to his two daughters, Maddie and Libby. Some of his many joys of his last few years were his daughters academic accomplishments and their abilities in sports, especially Lacrosse. In addition to his wife and daughters, Dan is survived by his loving parents, John and Emmagene Bowman of Roanoke; and his brother, Dr. Andrew Bowman and wife Sarah of Buies Creek, NC. Also left to grieve the loss are his parents-in-law, Don and Betty Gilley, brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Gregg and Traci Basham; special nieces and nephews, Summer and Sarah Bowman, and Taylor and Nic Basham; many loving aunts, uncles, cousins, and so many cherished friends; and his beloved dog, Lola. Dan received an undergraduate degree from Bluefield College and then earned a Master of Sciences degree from Radford University in Counseling and Human Development. Dans joy of education led him to work with young people as he served in counseling positions with Roanoke County and Bedford County schools. With a servants heart and a desire to be instrumental in the lives of youth, he returned to his Alma Mater, Bluefield College, serving as Dean of Students for several years. He then returned to Radford University as Associate Dean of Students. In recent years, prior to the diagnosis of cancer, Dan served as Principal of Craig County Schools. His love of education and his unique ability to guide young people as they looked toward the future was incredible. Students were drawn to him for his honest but kind spirit. Dan was an avid football fan and served with pleasure on the Virginia Tech Chain Crew for 15 years, and also served on the Salem Lacrosse Foundation. Special thanks to the Salem Lacrosse Foundation, Salem High Lacrosse Team, and the communities of Craig County and Salem. In addition, all the Bowman family, with humble and grateful hearts, want to thank Dr. Fintel and the Oncology Department at Lewis Gale Hospital, and the 6th West Oncology nurses and staff, who cared for Dan during his many stays at LGH in such a loving way. You made all of us feel as if we were your family. We respect and admire your dedication and commitment to your profession and will treasure friendships made. Daniel Gene Bowman will be missed greatly by all who know and love him. May he now rest in peace in the arms of his Savior, no longer devastated by the grueling effects of cancer. In lieu of flowers, at Dans request, donations may be made to his cherished daughters college educational fund at Member One Bank in Salem. The family will receive friends on Saturday, January 25, 2014 from 4 until 6 p.m. and again on Sunday, January 26, 2014 from 2 until 4 p.m. at the John M. Oakey & Son funeral home in Salem. A funeral service to honor Dans life will be held on Monday, January 27, 2014 at 2 p.m. at Salem Baptist Church with Pastors Ken Nienke, David Taylor and Rick Elmore officiating. Interment will follow at Sherwood Memorial Park in Salem. An online guestbook is available by visiting www.johnmoakey.com. We love you, Dan. Earths loss is Heavens gain. Philippians 1:21 For me to live is Christ and to die is gain