John Thomas Bowman

August 9, 1928 - March 15, 2012
John Thomas Bowman

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John Thomas Bowman, born in Huntington, West Virginia on August 9, 1928, passed away on Wednesday, March 15, 2012 in Hendersonville. He was the son of the late John Arnold and Mildred Rogers Bowman. He was also preceeded in death by a daughter Deni Bowman Bozard.

Mr. Bowman was a graduate of Plainville High School in Mariemount, Ohio. He served in Japan with the 25th Division of Quartermaster Corps of the United States Army. He attended Marshall College in Huntington, WV. He was employed by the R.T French Company for 21 years, working in West Virginia, Kentucky and Tennessee before moving to Columbia, SC in 1965. He later worked in the oil equipment industry.

In 1995 he and his wife of 61 years, Shirley B. Bowman, relocated to western North Carolina. He was active at Reformation ARP Church in Hendersonville where he served as a deacon and later was named Deacon Emeritus. He served as a volunteer at Pardee Hospital. Through these activities, Mr. Bowman continued to serve others, particularly those in need, and left a legacy of service to God and his fellow man.

He is survived by the love of his life Shirley, two children Kelly B. Gilstrap and her husband Randy and Becky Bowman of Liberty, SC, and a special “son and daughter in love”, Marvin and Cyndi Bozard of Coldwater, Michigan; eight grandchildren, Rebecca Bozard Privette and husband Charles of Pendleton, SC., John Foster Bozard and wife Kathryn of Columbia, SC, Randy Steven Gilstrap, Jr. and wife Michelle of Easley, SC, Ashley Suzanne Gilstrap and William Stanridge Gilstrap of Liberty, SC and Noah, Isaac and Jacob Bowman of Liberty, SC; four great-grandchildren who adored “PaPa” Elizabeth and Thomas Bozard, and Abigail and Shawn Privette.

A celebration of his life will be held today, Saturday, March 17, 2012, at 2:00 p.m. at Reformation ARP Church, 120 7th Avenue West, Hendersonville, NC officiated by the Reverend Matt Lucas and the Reverend Frank Griffith. The family will receive friends immediately following the service in Kirkside Hall of the church.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to Reformation ARP Church in Hendersonville, NC.


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  • March 18, 2012
    Marilyn Meade says:
    I am the granddaughter of John Thomas Bowman that had worked at Credit Bureau and a former teacher and principal in Lawrence Co OH. My mother remember a John A Bowman which is John Thomas Bowman that is your family member We want to let you know you are in our thoughts and prayers God Bless you all Marilyn Meade Alice Adora Bowman Daniels

  • May 04, 2012
    Carolyn Powell Wiggins says:
    Dear Shirley, I am saddened to learn of Tom's death. Also, so sorry that we have not kept in touch. I will try again to reach you by phone. Love, Carolyn 9

  • May 03, 2012
    Nancy McNary says:
    My love and prayers are with you...

  • March 22, 2012
    Steve and Lisa Smith and Family says:
    Please accept our sincere sympathies for Mr. Bowman's passing. He has always had a very special place in our hearts. You are all in our thoughts and prayers! Love, the Smith Family

  • March 20, 2012
    Kay Mathis Bodine says:
    Dear Mrs. Bowman, Kelly just contacted me about Mr. Bowman. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Maybe when you visit Kelly, I will get to give you a hug. Love, Kay Mathis Bodine