Michael Wayne Bowlin

Michael Wayne Bowlin

Aug. 10, 1953 - Dec. 23, 2023

WINTERS - Michael Wayne Bowlin, of Winters, CA, is now resting in eternal peace, joining his parents, Jeanne Lassus Marden of Napa, CA, and David Q. Bowlin of Van Buren, AR, and his grandparents Philip W. and Esther Z. Cornelius of Napa.

Mick was born at Hamilton AFB, CA, and moved several times before settling in Napa, where he graduated from Napa High School with the Class of 1971.

He enlisted as a Radioman in the Navy in 1972 to "see the world". After spending over four years at Naval Air Station Lemoore in central California, he decided he needed a change. The Army offered him the opportunity to travel so he spent the next few years as a Transportation Specialist in Europe, completing almost 10 years of honorable service to our Country as a Sergeant.

Upon returning to California, Mick worked as a Nuclear Electrician on submarines at Mare Island Naval Shipyard in Vallejo; an Electrician for large HVAC units and commercial generators at Sierra Company; as a Refinery Electrician at the Tosco Petroleum Company; but finally got his forever job as a Maritime Electrician with the California State University Maritime Academy, where he worked for 18 years. He finished his career as Chief Electrician for the TS Golden Bear Maritime Training Ship.

After retirement he continued to help out on the Bear as needed. He was able to fulfill his lifelong dream of transiting the Panama Canal and circling the globe multiple times. He was so proud of his ship and loved to give tours to everyone who came on board.

Ever the master mechanic, Mick's hobbies included cars; driving them, working on them or restoring them. His greatest passion was for Volkswagens, vans and beetles alike, and he spent 20 great years restoring a 1976 Gold Bug for his beloved wife, Lorraine. Together, they spent many hours going to VW shows and Mick, with grandson Nathan, loved cruising with the VW Club, where he served as Social/Meet-up Coordinator for many years. Mick was very active in both the North Bay Air Cooled Club of Napa and the Solano VW Club.

Mick was always willing to lend a hand and had a sweet soul, a truly nice guy, always at his happiest when helping others or fixing something.

He is survived by his loving wife of 25 years, Lorraine of Winters, CA; step-daughter, Haley (Dennis) Burdick and their son, Nathan of Napa; step-son, Nik Wood of Davis, CA; brothers: Mark (Anne) Marden of Napa and Gary Bowlin of Phoenix; and sisters: Cherie (James) Collins of Coronado, CA, and Kathleen Cooney of Napa.

Mick's services at the Sacramento Valley National Cemetery included Military Funeral Honors with Taps, a rifle volley salute, and Flag presentation to honor his service to our Country.

Please sign his guestbook online at www.smith-funerals.com.