Jack Bowlin

Jack Howard Bowlin, 95, of California, MO passed away on Thursday, March 28, 2024 at the California Care Center in California, MO. He was born on February 16, 1929 in California, MO the son of Earl R. Bowlin and Clara A. (Howard) Bowlin who both preceded him in death. Jack was a 1947 graduate of Aurora High School in California, MO, was a graduate of Jefferson City Junior College where he played basketball, he went on to graduate with a Mortuary Science Degree from Williams Institute of Embalming and Sanitary Sciences in Kansas City, KS. Jack was united in marriage on February 25, 1951 at the California U.C.C. to Carole Beth (Andres) Bowlin who preceded him in death on February 28, 2022. He was a United States Army Veteran and served from 1951-1953. Jack returned home to help and work for his family owned funeral home and was a co/owner of Bowlin Funeral Home for 30 plus years, he was a funeral director and embalmer for over 70 years. He was a lifetime member for 85 years at the First Baptist Church in California, MO. Jack served several roles at church such as an Ordained Deacon since 1960, song leader for 20 years, assistant to the pastor for many years and the men's Sunday school teacher for many years as well. He was President of the School Board, President of the California Chamber of Commerce. Jack was a huge supporter of the California Pintos, Mizzou basketball and football programs where he donated to the Tiger Table. Jack was a pillar of the community and will be greatly missed by many people and families he served through the funeral home and his church. Survivors include one son, Tom Bowlin (Clara) of Rothville, MO; two daughters, Lou Ann Howard of California, MO, Nan Dunham (Ron) of Richmond, MO; eight grandchildren, Kyle Bowlin (Jasmine), Ross Bowlin (Julie), Dwight Bowlin (Britney), Kent Howard (Gerri), Philip Howard (Amy), Melissa Larimore (Sean), Angela Grammer (Chad), Myranda Agnew (Ryan); twenty-three great-grandchildren; and one great-great grandchild. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Carole Beth Bowlin and brother, John Bowlin. Visitation will be held on Saturday, April 6, 2024 from 10:00 A.M- 2:00 P.M. with the funeral service immediately following at 2:00 P.M. all at the First Baptist Church Sanctuary in California, MO. Officiating will be Pastor Jeremy Anderson and Rev. Russell Cobb. Interment will be at the California Evangelical Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to the Moniteau County Historical Society c/o the funeral home. Arrangements are under the direction of Bowlin-Cantriel Funeral Service of California, MO.