Donald E. Bowman

Donald E. Bowman, age 90 of Clarion passed away Monday, May 7, 2012, at his home in Clarion.

Funeral services for Donald Bowman will be held on Thursday, May 10, 2012, at 2:00 PM at the First United Methodist Church, 201 3rd Avenue North East, in Clarion with Pastor Don Morrison officiating.  Burial will be at a later date.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 9, 2012, from 5:00 – 7:00 PM at Ewing Funeral Home, 602 North Main Street, in Clarion and will continue one hour prior to services at the church.

Donald Eugene Bowman was born July 1, 1921 in Clarion to Harry G. and Bessie L. (Thomas) Bowman.  He was raised and educated in Clarion where he was an outstanding athlete in Football, Basketball and Track. Upon graduation, he began working for his father at Bowman’s Service station and tire shop on Highway 3 in Clarion.

Don was united in marriage to Neota Tucker in 1942. Four children were born to this union.  Neota passed away in 1986.

Don served in the United States Army stationed in the South Pacific during World War II. He had several lifelong army friends that he enjoyed staying in contact with through numerous trips and army reunions.  He was a lifetime member of the local VFW branch.

Following the war, Don returned home and worked in the family business. He eventually took over the gas and tire business upon his father’s death.

In 1959, Don sold the business and relocated with his family to Arizona where he owned and operated a drive-in restaurant. He returned with his family to Clarion in 1960, and worked for Lampert Yards and Adams Implement prior to the purchase of the Mobil tank wagon service. He later reacquired Bowman’s Service at its original location.

Don later sold the service station to Bro Brothers and the tank wagon service to the North Central Co-op, where he worked until his retirement at the age of 70.  Traveling the county roads in his truck and visiting with his friends and customers was the high light of his career.

Don was an avid sports fan and enjoyed attending sporting events that his children and grandchildren participated in.  He was always there to share his encouragement and support.

Don was united in marriage to Dolores (Paine) Roosa on June 14, 1993. He and Dolores spent many winters traveling and relaxing in Florida. He enjoyed playing golf during his retirement years, and loved the fishing trips he shared with his children and grandchildren.  His family was very important to him, and he enjoyed spending as much time with them as possible.

Don was a lifelong businessman in Clarion. He served as a school bus driver for over 20 years, and on the school board for 12 years.  He was formerly a member of the local Masonic lodge.

He was a member of First United Methodist Church and of the Utili Dulci Sunday School class in Clarion. His Church family was a very important part of his life.

Donald is survived by his wife, Dolores Bowman of Clarion; his children, Carol Townsend of Clarion, Dennis (Carolyn) Bowman of Clarion, and Christie (Dennis) Banken of Forest City; grandchildren, Wendi (Ralph) Meech of Glendale, Arizona, Jennifer (David) Claeys of DeWitt, Jeff (Eileen) Townsend of Fenton, Missouri, Don (Mary Jane) Bowman of Mansfield, Texas, Mike Bowman of Clarion, Tom (Kristy) Bowman of Bettendorf, Ryan Praska of Omaha, Nebraska, and Emily Banken of Forest City. He is also survived by 10 great-grandchildren; step-children Steven (Cindi) Roosa of Le Mars, Russell (Rita) Roosa of Tennessee, Patrick Roosa of Eagle Grove, Jane (Mark) Bell of Texas; step daughter-in-law Selvie Roosa of Eagle Grove; 8 step-grandchildren, along with numerous other family members and friends.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife Neota, a daughter Connie, in infancy, sons-in-law Hugh Townsend and Timothy Roosa, and his brother Richard.

Don Bowman was a kind and generous man.  He knew no strangers and would do anything in his power to offer a helping hand to anyone who needed his support.  He loved greatly and was greatly loved.  We will miss him always and never forget his great smile, his big hugs and his gentle spirit.