January 6, 1936 – July 30, 2026
Howard Anderson “Andy” Bowles, devoted husband, father, grandfather, naval aviator, airline captain, and lifelong adventurer, passed away peacefully at his home in Los Altos, California, on July 30, 2026, at the age of 90.
Born in Alhambra, California, Andy received a Navy scholarship to the University of Washington, where he earned a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering. He went on to become a U.S. Naval Aviator, serving during the Vietnam War and retiring as a Commander after a distinguished career that included command of Patrol Squadron VP-91.
Andy continued his life in the skies with Western Airlines and later as a Captain for Delta Air Lines. Flying was more than a career; it was a lifelong passion and the source of many of his favorite stories.
For nearly 68 years, Andy shared his life with his beloved wife, Molly. Together they built a family grounded in love, laughter, hard work, and personal responsibility.
He is survived by Molly; his daughters, Susan Zecher (Jim) and Shari Bowles Gibbons (Phil); his grandchildren, Tim Zecher and Catie Zecher; and his brother, Bill Bowles (Judie).
Andy will be remembered most for his integrity, sense of humor, curiosity, and genuine interest in others. He taught his daughters to work hard, own their mistakes, care for others, and step forward when leadership was needed. Even in his final years, his humor remained unmistakably Andy. Those who cared for him became deeply attached to him, drawn to his warmth, laughter, and ability to make them feel like family.
He loved flying, reading, traveling the world, and sharing stories of military missions, aviation adventures, and faraway places. Andy held himself to the same values he taught his family, striving throughout his life to live with integrity, accountability, generosity, and humor.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Brain Support Network (https://brainsupportnetwork.org/)
Fair winds and following seas, Captain. Thank you for showing us how to live with courage, humility, and joy.
