Stephen Earnest Bowman

Stephen Earnest Bowman, 76, of Boalsburg, PA., died peacefully at home on Tuesday, January 13, 2026 with his wife Sheri by his side.

Born on July 21, 1949, in Huntingdon, PA, Steve was the only son of the late Henry C. and Martha E. Bowman, both of whom were teachers in the Huntingdon Area School District.

Steve was a 1967 graduate of Huntingdon Area High School and voted "Most Talented" by his classmates. He was selected for district, regional and state-level festivals for chorus and on the saxophone, routinely earning first-chair ratings. Steve matriculated to Penn State, making the Blue Band and marching and concertizing for four years. He earned a B.A. in Music in 1971 and completed his senior project on composer and pianist Béla Bartók.

Following Penn State, Steve also attended Boston's Berklee College of Music, where he studied saxophone, jazz improvisation, theory and arranging. In the 1970's, Steve auditioned for and was invited to be a member of the Glenn Miller Orchestra, led by jazz clarinet legend Buddy Defranco, and, later, trombonist Jimmy Henderson. While performing as lead tenor player in the Glenn Miller Orchestra, Steve played at Jimmy Carter's Inaugural Ball, and toured the U.S., Canada, Venezuela, and Europe. He performed in major concert halls in Vienna (Konzerthaus), Berlin (Philharmonie), London (Royal Festival Hall), Brussels (Palais de Beaux Arts), and Montreal (Place Des Arts). Steve performed with Billy Eckstine, Rosemary Clooney, Bob Hope, Frankie Laine and Helen O'Connell.

After leaving the Glenn Miller Orchestra, Steve settled in Boalsburg, working at Music Mart, where he mostly handled band instrument sales and school accounts. Steve performed with many musicians in the area, most notably as a founding member of the Arthur Goldstein Jazz Quartet, and as a long time member of Tommy Wareham and the Intrigues. Steve also appeared with the Tarnished Six, the Dance Band, the Dixie Lions, the Deacons of Dixieland, the Les Shaw Band, Mick and the Mystics, and duos with Rick Jones and Bill Filer. Steve did recording sessions, including Archie Blue's "New Day Comin.", produced by pioneering rock composer, arranger and producer, Van Dyke Parks, and performed on radio and television jingles.

Steve maintained a private teaching studio in his home in Boalsburg for many years, where he taught saxophone, clarinet and jazz improvisation. His students received first chairs at district, regional, all state and all eastern band festivals. Some students went on to teaching and professional careers in music. Steve was also an adjunct instructor of saxophone at Penn State.

Steve was a musician's musician, a brilliant jazz improviser noted for his originality, his elegant phrasing, and his ability to pick his notes wisely for maximal effect. He devoted his life to music and bringing joy to all he played for. Steve had a sharp intellect, and possessed a wry sense of humor while also finding enjoyment in the silly and absurd.

He is survived by his wife, Sharon L. (Sheri) Cramer, two sons, Geoffrey M. Bowman ( Katie) of New Paltz, NY, David N. Bowman (Alison), of Austin, TX, and stepson Bruce Bratton of Locust Grove, VA. Also surviving are two grandsons, Connor and Thomas Bowman, and a granddaughter Amanto Bratton. Steve is remembered for his kindness and generosity to his family and to his many, many friends who cared deeply for him. He was a wonderful friend, husband, and father, and he is greatly missed.

A memorial service will be held at Koch Funeral Home (2401 S Atherton St, State College, PA 16801) on Monday, January 19th (visitation at 10:00am). A Celebration of Life will be planned for a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The State College Music Academy or Steve's hospice provider, Center Home Care, 2437 Commercial Boulevard, State College, PA 16801.