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Howard Bowles Obituary
Judge Bowles was born on October 17, 1926 in Louisville. He attended St. Therese Catholic Elementary School, St. Xavier High School (Class of 1944) and the University of Louisville. He was elected to the inaugural bench of the Jefferson District Court, where he served with pride and great dignity until his retirement. He was a devoted University of Louisville Cardinal fan and a member of the Church of the Epiphany.
Howard, affectionately known as "Pancho," leaves a legacy of kindness, gentleness, compassion, generosity and love. He joins his mother, Mary Magdelen Bakes, and his father, Howard S. Bowles, in Heaven.
After 61 years of marriage, he is survived by the love of his life, Rita F. Bowles; his children, Mary Bowles, H. Richard Bowles (Robin), Michael F. Bowles, Patrick J. Bowles (Christine) and David P. Bowles (Maria); his grandchildren, Richard Bowles, Daniel Bowles, Tim Bowles (Laura), Lindsay Bowles, Mary M. Bowles, Katie Duvall (Travis), Kelly Bowles (Matt), Brian Bowles, Vivian Bowles, Jake Bowles, Andrew Aiken and Billy Aiken; two great-grandchildren; and a host of relatives, friends and colleagues.
His family expresses their sincere appreciation for the loving and compassionate care provided by Dr. Jane Cornett and Porschia Dulin, his earthly angel.
Visitation at Ratterman and Sons, 3800 Bardstown Road, will be Thursday from 1-8 p.m. with a prayer service at 7 p.m. The Mass of Resurrection will be celebrated Friday at 10 a.m. at the Church of the Epiphany, 914 Old Harrods Creek Road. Private burial to follow.
The family requests that expressions of sympathy be made in the form of donations to St. Vincent De Paul Open Hand Kitchen; St. Labre Indian School in Ashland, MT; Edmundite Mission, Selma, AL; St. Xavier High School; or the charity of choice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Howard Bowles
Evette Foree
May 1, 2013
Praying for you and your family.
Diane Hawkins
April 29, 2013
Celebrating a life well lived. May you cherish the memories forever.
Steve Frockt
April 27, 2013
A wonderful lawyer and Judge, but even a better man. He'll be missed by all who knew him. My sincere condolences to his entire family.
Denise Wood
April 26, 2013
Judge Dave Bowles, Your entire family is in my thoughts and prayers!
Denise Wood (Allen)
(former JCPD Dispatcher)
April 26, 2013
Rita and Family, I am so very sorry about your loss. What a calming effect Howard had on all of us as we were raising our families and your family was the best. Such an inspiration you all were. Hopefully I will see you soon. Jane Pfeifer
Buddy Dumeyer
April 25, 2013
Judge Bowles served our community with Honor & Distinction as a Judge. As a Judge he set the bar high for those who were privileged to follow his career path to the bench. His son Judge David Bowles has carried on his father's legacy on the Bench while serving with the same integrity, humility, and fairness his father brought to the courtroom. Judge Howard Bowles & his wonderful wife did an outstanding job in raising a family that gives to our community as their parents and grandparents have done so well. May God, Family & Friends continue to provide this family with the love & support they have provided to so many others.
April 25, 2013
Dave,
So sorry for your loss.
John & Beth Singler
Vanessa Gill
April 25, 2013
To the Family,
May God comfort your hearts during this time. My prayers are with you all. My deepest sympathy to the family.
In you, O Lord, my refuge I take...
Dennis Vessels
April 25, 2013
Dear Bowles Family,
I am sorry to hear of the judge's passing, but he lived such a wonderful and full life I feel certain he has already asked his Creator, who greeted him with open arms, to bless all of us!
Condolences, love, and remembering all the fun, good times! Bless you all!!
Jeanique Mitchell
April 25, 2013
Judge David Bowles & Family:
My prayers are ever with you. I pray that God's healing, peace and comfort will be with you all. Blessing.
Barbara Barth Todd
April 25, 2013
Michael and family, I did not have the privilege of knowing your dad, but I know he has some fine children. I offer my condolences. You are all in my prayers.
M. Barbara Brown
April 25, 2013
I too was blessed to have this kind man and his lovely wife come into my life at a time of need. I cannot think of how one would open their home to another as they did for me. Words will never be able to express my gratitude or how much I will miss him. My thoughts and prayers are with his beautiful family.
Keith Myers
April 25, 2013
Sincerst condolences to the family and friends of Judge Bowles. And a special expression of sympathy to my friend and colleague, Judge David Bowles. God bless.
Beth Owen
April 24, 2013
I'm so sorry to hear of his passing. He was a wonderful godfather & now joins my parents in heaven. Say Hi for me!
Porschia Dulin
April 24, 2013
I am so blessed to have had u as a part of my life thinks for tuching my life as the wonder man u were he was my angle an even more so now i will miss u
Rene Kunker-McGuffin
April 24, 2013
I'm so sorry to hear of Judge Bowles' passing. I worked with him as a secretary for the Jefferson District Court 25+ years ago and loved seeing his happy face come into the office to get his mail every day. He always had very interesting stories and served on the bench with integrity and fairness to everyone. His passing is a great loss. God bless you.
Karen Atkinson
April 24, 2013
So sorry to hear of your loss. As a child, I still recall thinking how nice and kind he was. His father was my Uncle Howard who was married to my Aunt Charlie Bowles. I've been living in Georgia for over 40 years and so many ties to family have faded, but not the memories. You have my deepest sympathy. Sincerely, Karen (Cross) Atkinson (daughter of Hallie Newton Cross).
Porschia Dulin
April 24, 2013
I am so lucky to have come across Mr Bowles in my time at episcopal he was my angle an made my bad days there better i loved him an thanks for all the support u all gave to me i will see u all soon an im praying for u guys in your time of need.
Jessica Gossman Poynter
April 24, 2013
Thoughts and prayers to your family during this very difficult time. May God wrap his loving arms around all of you. Rita, I am sure my mom was part of Howard's welcoming team!
With love and sympathy.
Kathy Buckmaster
April 24, 2013
Rita, David, Dick, Mary, Mike, & Pat ~ Sending lots of love your way. Sorry I cannot be there with you in the coming days. Heaven has sure gained a great new angel this week!
Jennifer Gehlhausen
April 24, 2013
Thank You for being my Godfather.
Patrick Bowles
April 24, 2013
I hope to have gained even a little of your gentleness, kindness, and generosity.
best son,
Showing 1 - 22 of 22 results
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Memorial Events
for Howard Bowles
Funeral services provided by:
Ratterman & Sons Funeral Home - Bardstown3800 Bardstown Road, Louisville, KY 40218
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