Hal K Bowman

The Man, The Myth, The Legend
Golf, Planes, Boats, Sheep, and Song

After spending his day on the golf course, Hal Kay Bowman drove himself to the hospital where he passed in the early hours of Friday, August 22, 2025, with his wife, Mercedes Auger, by his side.

Hal Bowman grew up in Indiana, attended Bloomington High School, and graduated from Purdue University in 1956. Following graduation, he entered the Air Force pilot training program, was on active duty for seven and a half years and served an additional thirteen years in the Air National Guard and Air Force Reserves as a combat ready pilot in both bombers and fighters. He retired with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

After active-duty military service, he was employed for six years at Sunbeam Corporation in Chicago and went to Burroughs Wellcome Company based in Research Triangle Park in North Carolina. In 1980 he founded Zema Corporation which purchased the Pulvex pet product line from Wellcome. The company produced and packaged shampoos, sprays, pharmaceutical and grooming products for dogs and cats. The company was sold in 1995 and he retired in 2000.

He continued an active flying career in retirement in light planes and gliders. He owned a Yak-52 Russian trainer and was a wingman with the Bandits Formation Team (Bullseye Flight Team) performing opening ceremonies at NC State football games, NASCAR, and veteran’s events. He also volunteered flying a crop duster and towing gliders for the North Carolina Soaring Association. His last plane was a 1947 Piper PA-12 Super Cruiser.

In high school, Hal won the Indiana State Fair Sheep Shearing Contest and went on to shear many sheep throughout his lifetime, often helping local farmers. Among his many hobbies, Hal kept a tradition of shearing a sheep on his birthday, a ritual he continued until his 90th year.

Hal’s love of music gave him many treasured experiences, including his time with the Purdue Glee Club, where he performed at President Dwight Eisenhower’s inauguration and sang “Mame” to Mrs. Eisenhower during the inaugural parade. He continued his love of song with the Concert Singers of Cary.

Hal and Mercedes were active in winter months with the International DN Ice Yacht Racing Association. He was an accomplished iceboat racer, competing across North America, Europe, and Russia.

When he was not otherwise occupied, he was often found on the MacGregor Downs golf course where he went out swinging.

He is survived by his wife Mercedes Auger, his daughter Elizabeth Bowman (Brent McLachlan) and many beloved family members. He was preceded in death by his daughter Tracy Bowman, his first wife Becky Bowman, parents Starlin and Mary (Jeffers) Bowman and brother Ned Bowman.

In keeping with Hal’s wishes, no formal service will be held. A celebration of his life may be planned at a later date.

The family invites friends to share memories and condolences on Hal’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/hal.bowman.31

Missing Man Tribute: https://bullseyeflightteam.com/