Harry Bowen Card's Obituary
Harry Bowen Card, 92, passed away in Lakeland, Florida on Thursday, December 5, 2024. Harry was born in Columbia Crossroads, PA on July 3, 1932, to father Henry Bowen Card and mother Bessie (Holton) Card.
In 1952, at the age of 20, he enlisted in the United States Army and bravely served our country for over 22 years, earning the highest rank of Sargeant Major at the time of his retirement from the Armed Forces in 1974. The recognition he received for his heroic service is both impressive and honorable. His military achievements are highlighted by a multitude of prestigious medals, including:
Bronze Star Medal
Joint Service Commendation Medal
Army Commendation Medal
Korean Service Medal
Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal
National Defense Service Medal
Vietnam Service Medal
Parachutist Badge
Meritorious Unit Commendation
Good Conduct Medal
United Nations Service Medal
Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal
Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation with Palm
Presidential Unit Citation
Meritorious Service Medal
After military retirement, Harry was employed as Vice President for the company George E. Treyz for several years. Living in New York at the time, he relocated to Florida in the late 80s and has been a prominent figure in our community since. Harry had a giving heart, which was demonstrated through the countless hours he dedicated to volunteering for various local organizations. He provided aid and support to numerous churches, homeless shelters, and charities. He also helped in running and contributing to charitable events organized through the VFW of which he was a member for several years.
Harry is preceded in death by grandchildren Melissa Wood and Steven Michael Card, stepdaughters Leslie Grace Kaestner and Amy Elizabeth Pennington, and sisters Carolyn Wright and Ida Murdock.
He is survived by his wife, Ann Whittle Card, sons Steven Card, Robert “Bob” Card (Julie), and Donald Card (Penny), stepdaughters Rebecca Rogers and Lenora Mazlaghani (Hamid), son in law Dave Kaestner, 17 grandchildren, and numerous great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and other family members.
Funeral services will be conducted at 10:00 AM on Friday, December 13th at Gentry-Morrison Funeral Home, Serenity Gardens Chapel 3350 Mall Hill Drive.
Harry will be laid to rest at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell the same day, with committal service and Military Honors to be held promptly at 12:30 PM at the cemetery.
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