William Garton Bowdler, 91, of Sharps, passed away Tuesday, January 19, 2016.
William was recruited from the Fletcher School to the newly formed Department of State. His first post was in Havana, Cuba in 1956. He was then appointed as Ambassador to El Salvador in 1968, then to Guatemala in 1971, and South Africa in 1975 before returning back to Washington in 1978. He retired in 1980 as the Under Secretary of State for Latin American Affairs.
William is survived by his loving wife, Margaret Clark Bowdler; son, Charles Bowdler (Mitzi) of Jackson, MS; daughter, Ann Sullivan of Brielle, NJ; daughter-in-law, Bobbye Jean Bowdler of Sharps; nine grandchildren, Cal, Kristin, Thomas, Katherine, Andrew, Jonathan, Sarah, William, and David; and four great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his son, James Calloway Bowdler.
A funeral service will be held on Monday, January 25, 2015 at 2 pm at Milden Presbyterian Church. The family will receive friends one hour prior to services.
Memorial contributions may be made to Milden Presbyterian Church, PO Box 31, Sharps, VA 22548.
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