Hugh E. "Grandpa" Bowman

1920 - 2015

HUGH "GRANDPA" E. BOWMAN AURORA, IL
Hugh "Grandpa" E. Bowman, 94, of Aurora, died Saturday, March 15, 2015 at home surrounded by his loving family. He was preceded in death by his wife Shelby Bowman; brother Edmund Bowman; children: Maryanne, Theresa, and Renee; grandchildren: Jason Coe, and Isiah Bowman; his parents Hugh Logan and Alice May McKen. Hugh was born on July 20, 1920. He resided in Indiana for a majority of his life until coming to live with his daughter Suzanne (Jamie) Dolan, and granddaughters Erin Perez and Shannon Dolan. He is survived by his children: Don Bowman, Bill (Anne) Dorton, Clifford Bowman, Hugh Bowman, Charley (Renee) Bowman, Diane (Don) Wirick, Elizabeth Ann Bowman, Joanne (John) Petro, Candi (Frank) Colvin, Roze (Jon) Schut, Mike (Cece) Lauerman, Cecil Dean (Lisa) Lawless, and Debra Passmore. He is also survived by Florence Bowman and her family. Additionally he is survived by 44 grandchildren and 28 great- grandchildren. After serving with the Navy Merchant Marines for six years, he worked for Combustion Engineering in Northwest Indiana, where he worked as a draftsman and retired after 36 years. He was active until the last few weeks of his life. He worked out every day, baked cookies, and put together puzzles with his caretakers Armando, Lucy, and Sofia. His constant companion was his dog Lulu. They shared many fun times. An avid NASCAR fan, Hugh spent his Sunday's camped out in front of his T.V. cheering on his number 24 car, with driver Jeff Gordon. Hugh got the surprise of a lifetime when he got to meet Jeff Gordon as a 94th Birthday present. He was also apassionate gardener and spent hours in his garden, mowing the lawn, and tending to his vegetables. He not only took pride in his garden but loved sharing his crops with longtime neighbors and friends. Family will be receiving guests on Friday, March 20, 2015 from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service at 11:00 a.m. at Dieterle Memorial Home, 1120 S. Broadway Ave. Montgomery, IL. Burial will take place at Spring Lake Cemetery immediately following. Hugh requested this to be a celebration of his life, so please refrain from wearing dark colors. Dieterle Memorial Home 630-897-1196 www.dieterlememorial home.com