from the USTA Communications Department

Columbus, OH — William W. Bowden, Sr., 90, of Wrightstown, N.J., died Aug. 5, 2013, at CentraState Medical Center in Freehold.

Born in Locust Grove, Ga., he lived in Long Island, N.Y., before moving to New Jersey 40 years ago.

Mr. Bowden served as a Sergeant in the United States Air Force during World War II, receiving five medals. He was a retired purchasing agent for Roosevelt Raceway in Long Island, N.Y.

He was a breeder, trainer and driver of Standardbreds and had built a solid top 30 race horse farm in Columbus, N.J. He also worked for Vernon Dancer Stables and later for Laurita Winery, both in New Egypt, before retiring three years ago. He was a member of the New Jersey Standardbred Breeders & Owners Association and the USTA.

He is survived by his sons, William Jr. (Melinda), Gene (Karen) and Gregory; daughter, Vicki; step-daughter, Susan (James) Mack; grandchildren, William III, Ashley, Dalton and Anthony Knighten; step-grandchildren, Arthur Dilley and Meredith Condon; three step-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Anne; step-daughter, Jackie Dilley; and 12 brothers and sisters.

Funeral services will be held Monday (Aug. 12) at 10:30 a.m. at the Church of the Assumption Chapel, 76 Evergreen Road, New Egypt, with burial to follow at the BGWCD Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Wrightstown. Calling hours will be on Sunday evening (Aug. 11) from 6-8 p.m. at the church.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Standardbred Retirement Foundation, 353 Sweetmans Lane, Suite 101, Millstone, NJ 08535 (www.adoptahorse.org).

Arrangements are under the direction of the Tilghman Funeral Home in New Egypt (www.tilghmanfh.com).