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MERRILL BOWAN Obituary
DR. MERRILL D.
Age 75, of Oakmont, passed away on Saturday, October 14, 2017 at his residence. Beloved husband of the late Cynthia N. Bowan. Loving father of M. Douglas (Betty) Bowan II, Mark David Bowan, Holly Bowan (Rich Frollini), Jonathan (Amanda) Bowan, and Bethany Bowan (Tony Larson); grandfather of eight; brother of Bradley (Nancy) Bowan. Merrill graduated with a BS from Geneva College then later graduated from Illinois College of Optometry. He was a leader in the field of behavioral optometry and had a private practice for over 40 years in the local areas. Merrill was a member of Riverside Community Church, Oakmont and a former member of the local Lions and Rotary Clubs. Friends and relatives are invited to attend a memorial visitation on Thursday, October 19, 2017 from 5-8 p.m. at the BURKET-TRUBY FUNERAL HOME CREMATION & ALTERNATIVE SERVICES, INC.,421 Allegheny Ave., Oakmont where a memorial service will be held at the conclusion of the visitation. Donations may be made to the Riverside Community Church, 800 3rd St., Oakmont, PA 15139 or a charity of one's choice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
D E.
June 15, 2019
Boy I know this one comes late...but I need to put it out there just the same because I was thinking of the good doctor just this AM.
I wanted to share something with him....My son was a patient who coined the phrase "eye camp" for his method...
the same kid that couldn't stand on one leg six years ago....so bad was his convergence vision---he couldn't draw shapes, couldn't see any colors...
This... is what he's able to do now.
https://youtu.be/WYGyR7hZIgY
He IS a twice E kid.
Suffers from anxiety and was still able to do this.
I wanted to be sure he knew we consider Merrill Bowan a part of our son's heroic story...and always will.
What would we have done without him?
Again... I know this is two years late. Just felt the need to say something.
Amy Greiner
January 29, 2018
I am so sorry to hear of Dr. Bowan's passing. My son was a patient of his about 10 years ago before we moved away from the area. Dr. Bowan was always so kind and creative in helping my son who has severe autism. Our new developmental optometrist in Tucson was excited to hear that we had seen Dr. Bowan as he is so well known in the field. I am so very sorry for your loss. He was a very special person.
Amber Lynn Price
November 24, 2017
I just heard of Dr. Bowan's passing today. I am very sorry to hear about your loss. Dr. Bowan was a very kind soul and he will be surely missed by all that knew him. Until we meet again---R.I.P
Chris Gott
October 24, 2017
I was his patient and sorry about his passing I am praying for his family from Chris Gott
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Beth Pedder
October 19, 2017
I am sorry for your loss.
Mitchell Abraham
October 19, 2017
Merrill ,,,I found out today of your passing,,, my friend,,,i believe that today both you & Cindy are together in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ,,,,,and as you prayed with us,,,now , i believe for us,,,,I send many Blessing to your family,,,and I know they and all your friends miss you and give God praise for the wonderful man you were while you here with us ,,,,,your longtime friend and high school buddy,,,,,Mitchell Abraham
Julie Konkol
October 19, 2017
Dr. Bowan changed the trajectory of my children's lives; and subsequently the life of my family. I shutter to think where we would be without him. His kindness to me as a desperate, over-taxed mother taught me so much wisdom that I cannot begin to express my gratitude. He is with our Lord and at peace. My most sincerest condolences.
Maria Amuso
October 18, 2017
Sorry for your loss.
Chris H.
October 18, 2017
Dear Bowan Family, My deepest condolences to you. I was introduced to your family through your Mom's columns in the Murrysville Star. Your father's life work has helped so very much with one of my children. It turned him around. I will always remember both of your parents and the impact that they have had on my life. May Gods blessings and Peace be with you all.
James and Esmeralda Mink
October 18, 2017
Our condolences to the family. May the Lord give you His peace and joy in this time. Praying for you all.
C T
October 18, 2017
May you find peace and comfort from God's word because he cares for you. 1 Peter5:6,7
Louise Veselicky
October 17, 2017
When I think of what I am grateful for in my life, it was having the opportunity to get to know Dr. Bowan through his work with our daughter Mary. His enthusiasm for his profession and his caring ways will be misssed more than words can say. We miss you!
jeff eger
October 17, 2017
Dr. Merrill Bowan was a pioneer and innovator using behavior vision therapy to help youngsters and adults see their world more efficiently with a better scope of vision. He helped other doctors,like me,become a better eye doctor to my patients. I know Merrill was a good father,eye doctor, and had total trust in God. I will miss his teachings to me.RIP.
October 17, 2017
Our sincere sympathy upon the loss of Merrill. Your family will be in our thoughts and prayers. Betty Bowan and family.
Cak Marshall
October 17, 2017
He was so supportive of his family. I remember him being also supportive of Holly's friends in theatre at Sherwood Forest Theatre. He will be missed.
Christopher Ruscitti
October 17, 2017
Dr. Bowan was a distant cousin and wonderful doctor to my daughter. His therapies and exercises literally changed and improved her life. What a wonderful man.
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421 Allegheny Avenue, Oakmont, PA 15139
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