George W. Bowles Sr.

George W. Bowles, Sr., 83, of Austin, Indiana, passed away on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at Hampton Oaks Health Campus. He was born on July 28, 1942, in Salem, Indiana, the son of Elijah and Bessie Lou (Sapp) Bowles.
George married Mary A. Bowles on June 16, 1962, and the two shared a long and happy life together until her passing in 2024. George was the best dad and Papaw anyone could ask for. When his children were young, you could always find him coaching little league or basketball. His home was the gathering place for all the neighborhood kids, a spot filled with laughter, games, and the open-door warmth he was known for. He had a boisterous personality-full of life, humor, and heart-and to know him was truly to love him. He worked for many years at Arbuckle Ford in Scottsburg, Indiana, where he proudly joked that he had "sold someone you know a car." He was one of the best salesmen around and a top negotiator. Later, he continued his hardworking spirit at Rumpke until his retirement. In retirement, George discovered a passion for wildlife photography and bird watching. And because he never did anything halfway, he became highly skilled-his wildlife photographs won awards and were featured in wildlife magazines. He was also a lover of music, especially the timeless songs of his favorite, Hank Williams Sr. George was a member of the Crothersville Church of God. George is survived by his children: Vickie Bowles, Kathy (Phil) Edwards, and Chastity Shelton; and one brother, Allen (Brenda) Bowles. He is also survived by many beloved grandchildren: Jessica (Nathan) Campbell, Jonathan (Mallory) Raichel, Tinisha (Chance) Densford, Jordan (Brittany) Bowles, Ashley (Larissa) Shelton, Robert (Megan) Hickman, Megan Edwards-Baker, Ben (Taylor) Raichel, Craig (Liz) Shelton, Sarah (Devin) Thomas, Rebekah (Braxton) Soloe, Austin Bowles, and Samuel Bowles. George leaves behind a large and loving extended family of great-grandchildren: Jaeleigh (Caleb) Minton, Natalie Campbell, Miley Smith, Eleanor Baker, Julie Smith, Remi Bowles, Winter Baker, Maverick Densford, Emery Raichel, Marceline Hickman, Scarlett Densford, Copper Hickman, Oliver Raichel, Lincoln Raichel, Samson Raichel, Atlas Densford, Josie Thomas, and Brooks Raichel.
On Saturday, as George was called Home, his family finds great comfort in knowing he was reunited in Heaven with his beloved wife Mary Alice, his son George W. Bowles, Jr., his daughter Tammie Sue Hickman, and his granddaughter Morgan Brooke Edwards. What a beautiful reunion that must have been.
George's legacy is one of love, laughter, hard work, and deep devotion to his family. He will be missed beyond measure.