Father Marlin Bowman dies at 79

Father Marlin Bowman, vicar emeritus at St. James Episcopal Church in Long Beach, died on Feb. 6 in Pleasanton, California, from complications with surgery. He was 79.

Bowman, a priest for 50 years, came to the Diocese of Long Island in 1959. He was vicar of Christ Church in East Meadow until 1967. From 1969 to 1985 he was the chaplain of the Protestant Chapel at JFK. He served St. James as vicar from 1969 to 2000, when he retired from active ministry. He was very involved in the community of Long Beach, founded the Senator William Reynolds Award and was himself honored by the city several times for his contributions to civic life.

After his retirement, Bowman returned to California and requested a church assignment from the Episcopal Bishop. Bowman was a lover of English bulldogs, literature, history and railroad lore.

St. James will hold a requiem Mass for