William Hanna Bowen, 84, Lincoln, died Thursday, Feb. 11, 2010. Funeral services will be held Friday, Feb. 18, 2010, at 9:00 a.m. at Roper and Sons Chapel, 4300 'O' Street in Lincoln. Burial will take place at 2:00 p.m. at Robb Memorial Cemetery, Lexington. Visitation will be held from 2:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.

William was born July 4, 1925 to Charles Hassell and Ella (Hanna) Bowen in Lexington. He grew up on the family farm southwest of Lexington and graduated from Lexington High School in 1943. He immediately enlisted in the Army Air Corps, earned his wings and was shipped to the 15th Air Force in 1945.

After the war, William stayed in Italy to transport troops home and was discharged in January 1946. He graduated from the University of  Nebraska in 1950 with a degree in civil engineering. He was elected Dawson County Surveyor and was later appointed city surveyor of Lexington. He married Beverly Jean Bates in Lexington in 1955. His career took them to Omaha and then to Lincoln where he worked for Constructors, Inc.

William is survived by his children, David (Sherel) Bowen of Tucson, Ariz., Kelley (Orlando) Leyba of Albuquerque, N.M., Kathie (Greg) Titus of Leawood, Kan.; eight grandchildren; one great-grandchild, and many friends.     He is preceded in death by wife, Beverly (Bates).

In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to the American Cancer Society, 5733 South 34th, Suite 500, Lincoln, Nebraska 68516 or Cedars Youth Services, 620 North 48th, Lincoln, NE  68504. Condolences or personal reflections may be sent online at www.roperandsons.com