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Joel Bowman Obituary
On Friday, February 10, 2023, Joel Kenneth Bowman Sr., loving father and grandfather, passed away at the age of 99.
Born on July 10, 1923, to Dorus and Rosa Bowman, Kenneth spent his life in the Callaway area, helping people. He was a fixer. There was no problem he couldn't solve with a little time to think of a creative solution and the right parts to make it happen. He was an entrepreneur. He owned and operated several businesses, most notably Retreat Store and Bowman's Appliances which were mainstays in the community until he and his son, J.K., retired.
When people speak about Kenneth, they most often say he was "a good man". He worked hard to take care of his family. He had a huge heart and helped whomever he could, as much as he could, whenever he could. And he was humble. All of the kindnesses were done quietly, without judgment or need for accolades. Kenneth was a gentle man who used his long life to bless others. It is impossible to overstate how much he will be missed by all who knew him.
Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents, Dorus and Rosa Bowman; brothers, Hollace and Ralph; beloved first wife, mother to his children, Eloise; daughter, Nancy; his in-laws, Oliver and Ada Thompson; brothers-in-law, Winfred and Junior; and sister-in-law, Louise. He was also preceded in death by his second wife, Eva Bowles and stepdaughter, Barbara.
He is survived by sons, J.K. (Doris) and John (Sherry), grandchildren Tammy (Ken), Jennifer and Ryan (Kathy) and great-grandchildren, Gaven, Bryanna and Lincoln. He is also survived by stepchildren, Charles (Rain), Jim (Laura), Amos (Marsha), Steve, Kay, Dorothy, Martha (P.J.) and their families.
Praise the Lord for Kenneth's wonderful caregivers these past four months, Beverly and Joe Rutter. He loved them very much and they were a true blessing to him and his family.
A graveside funeral service was held on Monday, February 13, 2023, at 11 a.m. at Antioch Church of the Brethren, 2996 Callaway Rd., Rocky Mount, VA 24151. There was no visitation per Kenneth's request.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in memory of Kenneth to Antioch Church of the Brethren, https://sites.google.com/view/acob/give
Arrangements by Conner-Bowman Funeral Home, Rt 220, 62 Virginia Market Place Dr., Rocky Mount, VA 24151.
Memories and Condolences
for Joel Bowman
Sponsored by Conner Bowman Funeral Home - Virginia Market Pl..
5 Entries
Jan M Jones
February 15, 2023
Mr. Kenneth was one of the nicest men I have ever known. His community was a better place because of his Godly ways. RIP Mr. Kenneth. God has another angel.
Mike Grice
February 12, 2023
Kenneth was a great neighbor and friend. He was always willing to help out when needed.
I´ll never forget his scarecrow in his garden dressed up in one of Kenneth´s old uniforms. I once was kidding him and told him was was going to stop speaking to him because every time I went by his house I honked the horn and he never waved or acknowledged me referring to his scarecrow.
He will be missed.
Eric C. Anspaugh
February 12, 2023
A good and gentle man whose humility was deep and kind. Well done, good and faithful servant.
Gary Woods
February 11, 2023
Kenneth Bowman gave me my first part time job in1959 when I was 14 unloading appliances out of a box car. I moved away but always stopped by to see him in later years He was highly respected and a good man. My life was better for knowing him
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Susan Woods Jungheim
February 11, 2023
He was a wonderful friend and neighbor to our family when I was growing up. My condolences to the family and the community.
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