St. John the Evangelist Catholic Community and the Knights of Columbus Council #6125 are proud to announce that George Bowdren is the Family of the Month for August 2024. George was born in Mineola, Long Island. He graduated from high school in 1945 and then was drafted into the US Army. His first tour of duty was in Germany as part of the U.S. Constabulary, a unit created to help bring order and security i n to the chaos of postwar Europe. While in Germany, George met Elisabeth (Liz); they were married in 1952. George had a distinguished 26-year career in the Army, rising from Private to Major and serving in South Korea, Italy, and South Vietnam before retiring in 1971.
George and Liz then settled in Maryland, where both started their second careers. Retiring in the early 1990's, they moved in 1995 to a new community under develoment in Viera: Indian Rived Colony Club. They joined St. Mary's parish, but then were among the first 150 families that came together to help Fr. Larry found a new parish in Viera named St. John the Evangelist.
George and Liz were both passionate volunteers with Meals on Wheels, Rockledge Hospital, and St. John’s. George split most of his days between Rockledge Hospital in the morning and St. John's in the afternoons. He and Liz also loved to travel, taking annual Christmas trips to Maryland and a bucket-list trip to Australia.
Sadly, George lost his beloved Liz to cancer in 2010. He continued to volunteer at St. John's and elsewhere and also to travel. He remains involved on a weekly basis with Military Officers of America, Cape Canaveral Chapter. He has been on a Space Coast Honor Flight, taken cruises to Cuba and Tahiti, and visited more than once the World War II Museum in New Orleans.
Up until his early 90's, George attended Mass daily. Now you can find hin ensconced in his regular pew at the Sunday 7:15 am Mass. Thank you, George, for the years that you have given of your time and talent to help our parish grow. You are a treasure and a blessing to the parish.