after a recommendation by future oklahoma united states senator robert s. kerr, bohanon was nominated by president john f. kennedy on august 18, 1961, to a joint seat on the united states district court for the eastern district of oklahoma, the united states district court for the northern district of oklahoma and the united states district court for the western district of oklahoma vacated by judge william robert wallace. he was confirmed by the united states senate on august 30, 1961, and received his commission on august 30, 1961. he served as chief judge of the western district from 1969 to 1972. he assumed senior status on august 2, 1974. his service terminated on july 18, 2003, due to his death.