M.D. Bowman

M.D. "Joe" Bowman, 92, of Junction City, former farm implement and truck dealer, bank director and business man died on November 19, 2003.

Funeral services will be Saturday, November 22, 2003 at 2:00 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church. Pastor Matthew Glasgow will officiate. Visitation will be Friday, 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Penwell-Gabel Johnson Chapel. Burial will be at Highland Cemetery in the family plot.

A former Missourian, he was born at Golden City, MO on May 12, 1911 to Elijah and Ollie (Kinser) Bowman. His parents moved to the Webb City-Joplin, MO area. He graduated from the Webb City, MO High School, where he spent his youth time on the family farm, playing baseball and enjoying the family dance band.

He was employed by the Firestone Tire & Rubber Co. in the Joplin, MO store. He transferred to Junction City, as Manager of their store in 1941. He was drafted into the Armed Forces in 1943, serving in the 3rd Army in Europe with the 65th Infantry as Transportation Sergeant. He was awarded the Bronze Star for his combat efforts. He was discharged in 1946 and returned to his former employment in Junction City as Manager until July of 1947.

He left their employment to purchase a 50% interest in the Moske-Bowman Implement Co. Soon after, he purchased the complete dealer interest, and the Bowman Implement & Truck Co. was founded and operated as a John Deere-GMC Truck Dealership. He served the trade area for 29 years, until selling to Phil Willhoite Truck & Implement Co. in 1976.

He was married to Lucille Houston of Carl Junction, MO in May 1937; she departed her life on October 26, 1997. They had been happily married for (60) years. She was a retired teacher of several rural schools in Geary and surrounding counties.

He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, having served as Trustee and Ruling Elder, a member of the Masonic Union Lodge, #7, Isis Shrine of Salina, Junction City Chamber of Commerce, Booster Club, Advisory Board of the Geary County Hospital, George P. Smith Library Board and the American Legion, (50) year member and he was the director of the Central National Bank for (32) years. He was an aggressive hunter and fisherman and enjoyed the many outings with rural people that he learned to know from his business venture.

He is survived by one son; Joe M. Bowman of Park City, UT (wife, Linda) and two granddaughters Kelly Bowman von Stroh of Salt Lake City, UT (husband, Gerald) and Mindy Bowman Matthews of Las Vegas, NV (husband, Glen) and most recently one great-granddaughter-Abbigale Maya Matthews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, seven brothers and one sister.

Honorary Pallbearers are Jackie Patterson, Edna Patterson, Debbie Roxberry, Nettie Smith, and Betty Jo Youngfleisch.

Pallbearers will be Earl Brown, John Rago, John Carlson, C.W. "Bill" Crites, Sam Batsell, Phil Willhoite, Robert Sherradan, Robert Munson, Myrl Cobb and Dr. Alex Scott.

Organist will be Vaudene Field and vocalist will be Larry Deppish.

Memorial contributions may be given to First Presbyterian Church, 113 W. 5th St., Junction City, KS and/or The Supper Club, c/o Good Samaritan Center, 416 W. Spruce St., Junction City, KS 66441.