Henry Edward Bown

December 2, 1936 - April 10, 2022

Henry Edward Bown, 85, of Ashburn, VA died peacefully in his sleep on Sunday, April10, 2022. Henry was born on December 2, 1936 in Pittsburgh, PA to Humphrey J. and Stephania M. Bown. After graduating in the Bethel Park High School class of 1954, he went to Bethany College in West Virginia, receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1958. While at Bethany, he was a member of Sigma Nu Fraternity. He served his country as a payroll clerk with the US Army at Fort Knox for 2 years and served another 4 years with the Army Reserves. After discharge from the Army, he pursued his passion for history and received a Masters’ degree from Duquesne University in 1966. He successfully applied for the position of Archivist with the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, retiring after 30 years. An avid reader, Henry amassed an extensive collection of non-fiction books, comprised of tomes of history, religion, and philosophy. He enjoyed listening to classical music and going to concerts at Mount Gretna and other venues. Over his lifetime, Henry visited nearly all of the lower 48 states. All things related to trains was another interest and a cross-country trip from Erie, PA to San Diego, CA on Amtrak’s Southwest Chief was particularly enjoyed, as well as several trips with friends which included a nostalgic ride on trains led by steam locomotives. Henry was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Elaine Bown Kelvington and her husband James (Jim) Kelvington. He is survived by his loving wife of 30 years, Anita McDannell Bown, a son, Anthony Bown and wife Joni (South Carolina), as well as a daughter Natallie Bown Troutman and husband Wayne (Pennsylvania); step-children Tamara Hayter and husband Randall (Virginia), Troy Lobaugh and wife Jody (Pennsylvania), Traci Crouse and partner Joe Ross (Pennsylvania); grandchildren Tayler McCoy and husband Jason (Pennsylvania), Brayden Bown (California), Sarabeth Bown (South Carolina), Emmaleigh Bown (South Carolina), step-grandchildren Robin Wolf (Pennsylvania), Gabrielle Crouse (Pennsylvania), James Hayter (Virginia), Jordyn Lobaugh (Pennsylvania) and Clayton Jeremiah (CJ) Ross (Pennsylvania); and great-granddaughter Makenzie McCoy (Pennsylvania). Funeral arrangements are through the Loudoun Funeral Chapel in Leesburg, Virginia. Visitation will be held on Thursday, April 21, from 3-6pm at Loudoun Funeral Chapel 158 Catoctin Circle, SE, Leesburg, VA. A Service of Thanksgiving for the Life of Henry Edward Bown will be held on Friday, April 22 at 3:00pm at Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Middleburg, VA with interment in the church cemetery immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Emmanuel Episcopal Church P.O. Box 306, Middleburg, VA 20118, or to: The Medical Team Hospice Dept., 1896 Preston White Drive, Reston, VA 20191.