Wheeler Bowman

Wheeler G. (Bob) Bowman, age 97, died April 29, 2018, at his home with family by his side. He was born December 16, 1920, in Kalamazoo, Michigan, to Harley E. and Phoebe Bosch Bowman. Survived by his wife of 49 years, Patricia Danner Bowman, sons John Bowman (Beth) of North Carolina, Tim Bowman (Nena) of Florida, daughters Karen Lee (David) of Alabama, Brenda Murphy of Springdale, Ark. Also survived by grandchildren, Ben Bowman (Lisa), Tim Bowman II (Nanette), Leslie Martell (Tom), Gayle Brown, Evelyn Sanchez (Roman), Brian Murphy Jr (fiancé McKenzie Crocker), Pauline McKinley (Bryan), Jonathan and Timothy Lee, great-grandchildren Addison Bowman, Abigail and Emily Bowman, Tommy Martell, Michael Roy, Alex and Emma Brown, Olivia Rae, Roman Jr, Mercedes, Elizabeth and Julie Sanchez.Preceded in death by his parents, five brothers: Fred, Carl, Victor, Frank, and Warren, his first wife, Jacqueline Strait Bowman, and great-granddaughter Magnolia McKinley. Wheeler started his working career at the Kalamazoo Sled Company. Wheeler then entered the United States Army and served in World War II with the 32nd division in Southern New Guinea and with the 24th division in Northern New Guinea and the Philippines. His unit, Charlie Company, known for its courage and success in WWI, was sent to New Guinea under direct orders of General Douglas MacArthur after the U.S. entered the war in 1941. After field promotion, Lieutenant Bowman was sent to OCS (Officer Candidate School) in Australia where he was commissioned a second Lieutenant in 1944. He later served in the European theatre and in the Korean conflict before retiring as Captain in 1961. His service awards included the Purple Heart, Bronze Star, Silver Star, and Korean Service Medal. After returning home, he held a number of other jobs including the Kalamazoo Fire Department, Kalamazoo Post Office, Mt. Dora Florida Post Office, and got his Real Estate License in Florida. Wheeler later was employed by Eaton Corporation in Kalamazoo, Michigan, retiring in 1981. His spare time was filled caring for his cattle on the farm in Michigan, golfing in the summer with long time golf buddies, snowmobiling and ice fishing in the Michigan winters or escaping the cold winter to spend weeks in Florida near his sons and their families. In 1994, Bob and his wife Pat moved to Springdale to help care for her aging mother. They found a church home at Cross Church, Springdale, where they were active until frail health kept him home bound the past several years. A funeral service will be held 6 p.m. Tuesday May 1, 2018 in the chapel at Cross Church in Springdale. Visitation will be 5 p.m. – 6 p.m. prior to the service. Interment in Fort Custer National Cemetery, Battle Creek, Michigan will take place later with Military Honors. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Moore's Chapel in Fayetteville. A number of caregivers have cared for him and loved on him over those years. We appreciate their service to him and the family. Memorial contributions may be made to Cross Church Haiti Missions, haitijoyhouse.org. To place an online tribute visit www.mooresfuneralchapel.com.