Gary "Pete" Lee Bowles, 78, of Dunbar, passed away on Sunday, January 24, 2016.

Pete was a U. S. Marine veteran and retired after 27 years as Chief of Dunbar Fire Department. He was very active in youth sports in the City of Dunbar for over 25 years and had 25 plus years of officiating for the KVFOA. He was also a member of the Dunbar Athletic Boosters.

He was a third degree Knight with the Knights of Columbus, a member of the Fraternal Order of the Eagles, and a member of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, St Albans.

Pete loved to fish, hunt, golf, farm, bowl and archery competition.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Opha "Pete" Darrell Bowles and Majorie Ann Spaur Bowles.

Pete is survived by his children, Joey Bowles of Dunbar, Kathy Pickens and her husband, Douglas, of Dunbar, Leaann Ward of Dunbar and Jamie Amick and husband, Nathan, of Cummings, GA; grandchildren, Kevin Pickens, Jeremy Pickens, Donnie Lee Spradling, Laura Ward Garner, Amber Dawn Bowles, Julia Amick and Jackson Amick; aunt, Beula Kemerer; ten great grandchildren, several cousins, and a host of friends.

The family would like to offer a special thank you to Kimra, Roger, Jimmy, Charlie, Aaron and Donna for all the care they provided for Pete.

Funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, January 27, at St Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, St Albans with Father Patrick McDonough officiating. Burial will follow in Grandview Memorial Park, Dunbar.

Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, January 26, at the church.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donation to St. Francis Elementary School, 525 Holley Street, St. Albans, WV 25177.

Arrangements are in the care Keller Funeral Home, Dunbar.