Kirby Bowden

Kirby R. Bowden, 89, husband of Carolyn Gladden Bowden of Elizabeth City, NC, passed away Saturday, May 24, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Chincoteague, VA in 1936, he was a graduate of Northampton High School, class of 1953, and then joined VPI's military division. He proudly served as a member of the United States Army and the United States Coast Guard where he retired as a Master Chief after 34 years of combined service.

In addition to his devoted wife of 65 years, Kirby is survived by his daughter, Jill Koch and her husband, Richard, of Elizabeth City, NC and three grandchildren, Michael Thornton, Wyatt Thornton, and Kirby Thornton. He was predeceased by his daughter, Heidi Bowden Thornton and two brothers, Bobby Bowden and Danny Bowden.

Upon retirement, Kirby spent many wonderful years living in his beloved Silver Beach community. He was a total man of the water. From growing up in Chincoteague and Exmore on Virginia's Eastern Shore to serving in the United States Coast Guard, he lived on the coast his entire life. His favorite hobbies included crabbing, fishing, wood boat building and rowing on his treasured Chesapeake Bay.

Almost always behind the wheel of a golf cart or a riding lawn mower, he cherished warm weather and the many special memories the summer months brought to his beach community. Kirby had an exuberance for life that was infectious. He found joy in everything around him and had a gift for connecting with others that spanned multiple generations. Fun followed him wherever he would go, and his kind nature and loving spirit left a lasting impression on all of those who knew him.

A graveside service with Military Honors will be held on Monday, June 9, 2025, at 11:00AM at Belle Haven Cemetery and will be officiated by Sandra Walters. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Kirby's honor to Eastern Shore's C. A. S. T. for Kids Foundation or Occohannock On The Bay.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.doughtyfuneralhome.com

Arrangements were made by Doughty Funeral Home in Exmore, Virginia.