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1948
2013
Merton James Bowman, 64, of Montrose, passed away peacefully on Feb. 7, 2013, at Geisinger Wyoming Valley surrounded by his loving family.
Born on Dec. 25, 1948, in Meshoppen, he was the son of the late Maynard (Sept. 12, 1998) and Minnie (Hawley) Bowman (Sept. 20, 2005) of Laceyville, where he was raised his whole childhood.
Mert attended Wyalusing Valley High School and was a graduate of the class of 1966.
Mert married his wife of 45 years, Karen (Severcool) Bowman on Oct. 21, 1967, and raised his family in Laceyville. Mert, or "Magoo" as he was well known, drove truck for more than 30 years of his life. He drove across the United States in his younger years for various companies then picked up milk at local farms for 15 years. He recently retired from Meshoppen Stone Inc. where he drove truck and operated large machinery. Even after his retirement, Mert continued to work part time until he became ill.
He mentioned often during his battle how he looked forward to going back to work.
On the cross country trips that he and his wife, Karen made driving as a team, Mert had been in every state in a truck except North Dakota, Alaska and Hawaii. In 2010, he took a trip with his family and visited Alaska on a cruise and then drove back across the country visiting 'Bowman,' N.Dak. Someday, a part of Mert will go to Hawaii with his family as that was the only state he had never visited.
Mert enjoyed many recreational activities over the years, including building and racing stock cars with his father and brother, and later other family members. He also enjoyed racing lawnmowers. Mert was a general 'Jack-of-all-trades' and most recently he found great enjoyment in golfing with his family and never had to "buy the ice cream" for losing.
Survivors include his wife, Karen (Severcool) Bowman; daughters: Melissa and Tony Latini of Wyalusing, and Jamie and Rob Heft Jr. of Montrose; five grandsons: Dustin Latini and his wife Heidi Latini, Vincent Latini and his fiancée Tiffany Belcher, Jacob Latini, all of Wyalusing; and Robert Heft III, and James Heft of Montrose; a great grand-daughter, Morgan Latini of Wyalusing; a sister, Mary Lee Goodwin of Mehoopany; a sister-in-law, Virginia Bowman of Meshoppen; many other brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law; and nieces and nephews.
Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Maynard "Sam" Bowman (Jan. 22, 2012).
There will be a memorial service held on Saturday, Feb. 16, at noon from the Sheldon Funeral Home, Main St., Laceyville, with Rev. Dale Russell of the Spring Hill United Methodist Church officiating. Family and friends may call at the funeral home from 11 a.m. until the time of the service.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make memorial donations may do so in Mert's name to the Wyalusing Relay For Life (American Cancer Society), c/o PS Bank- Amy Huffman, P.O. Box 217, Wyalusing, PA 18853.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Karen, Missy, and Jamey; We are very saddened by Mert's passing. The pictures of Mert's racing days brought back nice memories of my childhood. Jamey's talk of her father was absolutely beautiful. RIP Mert.
Scott and Madeline Hawley
February 16, 2013
Jamie, Rob, and Family,
We are sorry for your loss. Remember the memories of the good times you all spent together. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Harry and Michelle
February 15, 2013
Sorry to hear of Mert's passing. May
God bless you and heal your sorrow.
Mark and Joanne Borel
February 13, 2013
Sorry for your loss....prayers are with your family
natasha kuder
February 13, 2013
Missy, Tony & family
Sorry for your loss, may your memories comfort you. Old truckers never die they just travel better roads now. Love the Kisners
Judy Kisner
February 13, 2013
Missy,Tony& Families,
We are very sorry for your loss.
May God bless you all and help you through this time of sorrow.
You are all in our thoughts and prayers now and always.
Nancy & Rick Hunsinger
February 12, 2013
Jamie, Rob, and Family,
We're so sorry for your loss. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Cher and Rick
February 11, 2013
Jamie, Rob, and Family,
Our deepest sympathy to you all. We're so sorry for your loss.
Love,
Cher and Rick
February 11, 2013
Missy, Tony and family. I am so sorry to hear about your dad and grandpa. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
February 11, 2013
Missy, Tony and family, sorryto hear of your loss my prayers and thoughts are with you all
Mary Jane Maines
February 11, 2013
Karen our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family
Rich & Laura Volack
February 11, 2013
Jamie, Rob & Boys,
My deepest sympathy to your family on your loss of your dad & grandpa.
Dawn Snyder
February 11, 2013
Thinking of Merts family and praying you will find comfort in special memories.
Tim & Sandy Brown
February 11, 2013
Karen,Mary Lee, Ginny and your entire family..
I am so very sorry to read of Mert's passing. He was the greatest guy and friend.! May you all find comfort in knowing that-as he drove that semi, on the highway to heaven..he arrived at his destination to find peace and will eternally be free of pain. God bless and be with all of you, in this time of sadness.
Sharon Tewksbury Chamberlain
February 11, 2013
So sorry on your loss, sending prayers to your entire family.
February 11, 2013
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Funeral services provided by:
Sheldon Funeral Home - Laceyville459 Main St. PO Box 32, Laceyville, PA 18623
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