Colonel Hilton Bowersox

Hankins & Whittington Funeral Home

Altogether<br/>4307 Vineland Road, Suite H-17-19, Orlando, FL 32811<br/>For more information, visit our website at <a href='www.altogetherfuneral.com'>www.altogetherfuneral.com</a><br/>Copyright © 2025 FPG Intermediate Holdco, LLC

Colonel Ralph "Sox" Bowersox
June 24, 1930 - June 7, 2015

"Sox" Bowersox died peacefully in his sleep on the morning of June 7, 2015. He was born at his grandfather's house in Hog Hollow, Pennsylvania. He has very fond memories of his family and friends in New Bethlehem, PA. He graduated from New Bethlehem High School in 1948. He loved hunting deer and spending time with his parents, Ralph F. and Elizabeth Bowersox. 

He joined the air force and served his country from July 15, 1948 - July 31, 1983. Colonel Sox was a fighter pilot. He was a recipient of more than 40 medals, including the Silver Star, two Legions of Merit, three distinguished Flying Crosses, ten air medals, three Meritorious Service Medals, and three Commendation Medals. He flew 100 missions over North Vietnam. Colonel Sox flew for over 35 years, more than 7,000 hours flying time in over 20 types of aircraft. He had extensive experience in Fighter Interceptor Aircraft (F-86, F-101, F-102, F-105, F-106, F-4, F-15) and multi-engine aircraft (C-47, OV-10, T-39). 

He met his first wife, Norma Bowersox, when they were both in Nagoya, Japan. She was a department of Defence Dependent Schools' teacher. They resided all over the United States and Okinawa. 

Sox retired in Colorado Springs, Colorado. He remarried Barbara Bowersox. Sox enjoyed skiing, playing tennis, running with his two dogs, Winston and Happiness. He ran the Pikes Peak Marathon twice. They enjoyed their friends and were always celebrating with barbeques and tailgating at the games at the Air Force Academy. They relocated to Aldersgate Methodist Retirement Center in October of 2005. They enjoyed living at Aldersgate for almost 10 years. Sox was an avid swimmer and lover of the pool at Aldersgate. 

Sox is preceded by his first and second wife, Norma and Barbara Bowersox. He leaves behind three children, Jayne Bowersox of Charlotte, NC, Janis Bowersox of Lenox, Massachusetts and Dave Bowersox, Frisco, Texas. He also has four grandchildren, Megan, Charlie, Matt and Becky. 

Special thanks to all of the Aldersgate family and friends who took such great care of Sox while he resided there. He never met a stranger and enjoyed all that Aldersgate offered, including the "Body Shop" which he named, the pool, golfing and gardening. The quality of care that they provided him cannot be underestimated; he received top notch medical care and patience from all staff members, including the nurses, assistants, secretaries, cafeteria workers, etc. In the end, Sox longed to return to his parents, relatives and friends in New Bethlehem.

A small ceremony will take place at Aldersgate on June 15th, 2015 at 11:00 am to celebrate his life. He will be buried at Arlington Cemetery, in Arlington, Virginia this summer. 

"Fly high, Sox!" You will be greatly missed!

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Colonel Hilton Bowersox Obituary | Altogether