John R. Bowler

1928 - 2009

June 29, 1928 - January 7, 2009
John R. Bowler, also known as "Dakka" was born on June 29, 1928 and passed away at the age of 81 on January 7, 2010. Born and raised in Cambridge, Massachusetts, John made his way to sunny California in 1949 after being honorably discharged from the U.S. Navy on June 15 of that year. After working for Northrop Aircraft and North American Aviation from 1949-1960, he was employed by Petroleum Maintenance Company until 1986 when he then gained employment at the Chevron Refinery in El Segundo where he was still currently employed. John and his wife, Ruth, lived in Manhattan and Hermosa Beach where they raised a son, Timothy and daughter, Melissa. After his wife's death in 1987, John made his home in El Segundo, to be closer to his daughter and her family. A knowledgeable man who had been given the title of a legend, he will truly be missed by all who knew and loved him. John is preceded in death by his sisters, Mary, Catherine, Josephine and Louise; brother, James; and wife, Ruth. He is survived by sister, Margaret; stepdaughter, Shirley Riley (Stan); stepson, Timothy McPherson (Cheryl); daughter, Melissa Hancock (Greg); granddaughters, Rebecca and Jessica Hancock, Whitney Hancock Jenkins (Danny); great-granddaughter, Quinn Jenkins; and many nieces and nephews. John was a brave man and fought till the end - he will be in our hearts forever. There will be a celebration of John's life at the Stick and Stein, 707 N. Sepulveda Blvd., El Segundo, on Saturday, January 23, 2010 at 6:00 p.m.