Bertie Bowman

Bertie peacefully passed away on Wednesday, October 25, 2023. He was the longest- serving African American Congressional staff member on Capitol Hill with over 65 years of service. A proponent of unconditional kindness, he's formed many enduring friendships throughout his career on Capitol Hill.

By the mid-1950's, Bowman had established himself as a jack-of-all trades around the Capitol. With each step, Bowman's 'can-do' attitude turned him into a mentor, advocate, community leader and even a published author. Bowman held several jobs in the U.S. Senate ultimately rising to become the Assistant Hearing Coordinator for the United States Senate's Foreign Relations Committee--a job he loved for many years.

Mr. Bowman became a member of the Board of Directors of the United States Senate Federal Credit Union in 1975 which included two terms as Board Chair. On May 9, 2019, The Board of Directors dedicated their new national headquarters building in his name.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Elaine King Bowman, and daughter, Arnetta Bowman. He leaves to cherish his loving memory, six children, Gregory Bowman (Laura), Charlene Bowman-Smart, Wilbert "Sal" Bowman, Bertie "Benjie" Bowman (Natasha), Gloria Tetteh and LaUanah King-Cassell (Theodore); two brothers, Larry Bowman (Lisa) and Jimmy Bowman (Joyce); one sister, Dorothy Floyd (Ellis); 17 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren; one great great-grand child; and a host of other relatives and friends.