Gilbert P. Bowling Sr.

Gilbert P. Bowling, Sr., 98, of Hanover, PA departed to God's Eternal Care on December 19, 2025. He was born September 16, 1927 in Gettysburg, PA to the late Howard J. and Fannie G. (Rose) Bowling. He was predeceased by his loving wife of 63 years, Mary C. (Sneeringer) Bowling who passed away on July 27, 2020, five sisters (Josephine McCleaf, Frances Weishaar, Irene Myers, Ruth Cluck and Marie Bream), four brothers (Louis, Raymond, Howard and Herbert) and a grandson, Michael Niedererr. Gilbert was the last survivor of his immediate family. He is survived by two sons, Gilbert Patrick Bowling, Jr. and his wife Eileen of Gettysburg and Dr. Christopher A. Bowling of Hanover, one grandson, Noah Niedererr of Hanover and three great-grandchildren, Daniel, Maia and Liam Niedererr, in addition to many nieces and nephews.
After graduating from Gettysburg High School, he joined the US Army, serving in World War II with the Eighth Army in the Pacific Theater. He also served in the early occupation of Japan under General Douglas MacArthur's command. After returning to civilian life, Gilbert worked for the Department of Defense where he retired after 40 years of service.
Gilbert enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, being outdoors and hunting. He was an avid sports fan at all levels. He was an ardent follower of the Green Bay Packers, St. Louis Cardinals, Notre Dame Fighting Irish and University of Pittsburgh Panthers. For many years he enjoyed going to local high school sporting events with his childhood friend Richard Miller of Gettysburg. He was a member of the Gettysburg Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 15, Catholic War Veterans Post 1342 of Bonneauville, and National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association.
Gilbert was a member of St. Vincent DePaul Catholic Church in Hanover, where he was a member of the Marian Movement. Funeral services will be held at St. Vincent DePaul on December 29, 2025. A viewing will be held at the Church at 10:00 AM followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM. Burial will take place after Mass at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Cemetery in Hanover.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in his name to the Delone Catholic High School General Scholarship Fund.
Murphy-Beck Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Inc., of McSherrystown is entrusted with arrangements and condolences may be shared at www.beckfunerals.com