Kerwin Bowling

Kerwin Bowling, age 85, passed away on Sunday, March 1, 2026, in Palm Harbor, Florida. A native son of Jeffersonville, Kerwin was born to the late Earl and Mildred (Burger) Bowling. He carried the love for his hometown with him throughout his life.

A proud graduate of Jeff High, Kerwin planted his roots firmly in the community that shaped him. He married the love of his life, Rosalee Hendren, on September 1, 1958, forming a lasting bond that would flourish for over six decades! For more than twenty years, he faithfully served the citizens of Jeffersonville as a firefighter. Rising to the rank of Fire Captain, Kerwin was known for his steady leadership and fearless dedication. He was often the first to step into the face of danger, placing the safety and well-being of others above his own. His life was defined by courage, compassion, and selfless service. Throughout his distinguished career, he stood shoulder to shoulder with fellow first responders during moments, both harrowing and heroic. His skill, strength, and calm presence saved countless lives and offered reassurance to many during their darkest hours. Beyond his service to the fire department, Kerwin was a member of First Christian Church (DOC), Jeffersonville.

When not serving his community, Kerwin embraced the outdoors with enthusiasm. He loved to hunt and fish, found great joy on the golf course, and could often be heard strumming his guitar or banjo. He loved jamming to country music, turned up as loud as it would go! Music was his therapy and celebration, and he shared it generously. Kerwin carefully tended to his beautiful garden every year, loved to can his home-grown tomatoes & green beans by the bushels, always sharing his wonderful bounty with those around him. Kerwin also expressed his love through food. A gifted cook, he took great pride in feeding everyone around him. The kitchen was his command post during holidays, where he ensured every dish was prepared just right. Thanksgiving and Christmas feasts were his domain, lovingly orchestrated for family and friends who gathered not only for the meal, but for the warmth he created around the table. Above all, Kerwin treasured his family. He took immense pride in watching his family grow, learn, and flourish across generations. His legacy lives on not only in the lives he saved, but in the love, strength, and values he instilled in those closest to him.

In addition to his parents, Kerwin was preceded in death by his sister, Earline (and Irvin) Himmelheber. He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife of 67 years, Rosalee (Hendren) Bowling; his daughter, Katrina Bowling Whitworth (Michael); his beloved granddaughter, Eva; his brother, Jonathan (Cathy) Bowling and their sons: Chris and Shawna Bowling (and their three children), and Brian (Char) Bowling (and their son); his sister-in-law, Diana Kircher (husband Mac, dec.) and her children: Melanie (Doug) Yates {children Lauren (Michael) Shelby {their children, Michael and Nate), Benjamin Yates, & Heather and Scott Wathen {children, Hayden & Greer}; nephews, Mark Himmelheber {his children, Allison & Micky) and Rick & Libby Himmelheber {children Rebecca, Allison and Yvonne}; nieces & nephews: Luca, Ashton, Ellie, Brian (Char), & Harvest, along with many extended family members and dear friends who were blessed by his steady presence and generous heart.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate caregivers at Mease Countryside Hospital and Sun Coast Hospice, along with all of his dedicated doctors and staff, for the continuous loving care given to Kerwin and his family during the most difficult of times.

Memorial services will be held 5PM on Monday, March 23, 2026 at Scott Funeral Home (2515 Veterans Parkway, Jeffersonville). Friends may visit from 2PM until service time at 5. All Friends & Family are invited to join Rosalee & Katrina for a Dinner Celebration of Life at The Carriage House (1101 East Market Street, Jeffersonville) from 6-8 PM.

A private entombment will occur at Noon on March 24, 2026 at Walnut Ridge Cemetery for family members only.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be given to Southern Indiana Hospice or Southern Indiana Rescue.

Kerwin Bowling will be remembered as a man of bravery and tenderness, strength and song - a protector of his community, a pillar of his family, and a life well and faithfully lived.