Paul F. Bowlin of Saratoga, 87, died Jan. 16.

Bowlin was born and raised in Tulsa, Okla. He loved flying from an early age. He earned his solo pilot's license at age 16 and built his own plane. He also played the violin, was in the drama and tennis clubs and played both high school and college football.

After earning his bachelor's degree in chemical engineering from the University of Tulsa, he joined the Army Air Corps and received military flight training. He was recruited by Pan American World Airways in 1941. He served in World War II from 1941 to 1945.

Bowlin flew every type of aircraft for Pan Am, from the DC-3 to the 747, serving the company as a check-pilot and helping to create the inertial navigation system, which went on to become the industry standard. He was the only pilot to fly a commercial aircraft over the magnetic North Pole and took the first commercial flight back to Anchorage, Alaska, after the city's devastating earthquake of 1964. During his career with Pan Am, he flew to 65 countries on six continents.

Upon retirement, he became more active in church and civic organizations. He served as a board member and officer for the Saratoga Sister City program, Hakone Gardens, the Saratoga Men's Club and the Saratoga Historical Foundation, and helped create the Senior Center as a part of the Saratoga Area Senior Coordinating Council. Bowlin was honored for his achievements as the 1993 Saratoga Citizen of the Year. He and his wife, Dorothy, were also very active in their family genealogy organization, the Bolling Family Association, traveling with the group, doing research and attending genealogy meetings.

After marrying his high school sweetheart in 1941, he and Dorothy traveled the world and raised a family.

An avid tennis player, Bowlin played three times a week up until his 87th birthday.

Besides his wife, he is survived by his daughters, Barbara Bowlin Chapman of Orange and Carol Bowlin Smith of Fresno; his son-in-law, Brian Smith of Fresno; his grandchildren, Elizabeth Chapman of Portland, Paul Scott Chapman and his wife Emily of Orange, and Tracy Smith of Kansas City; and his great-grandson, Anthony Chapman of Portland.

Memorial services will be held on Feb. 11 at the Saratoga Federated Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Saratoga Federated Church, the Saratoga Men's Club, the Saratoga Foothill Club or a charity of choice.