John William (Bill) Bowling, 97, of Loogootee, passed away at 8:10 p.m. Thursday, September 5, 2019 at Loogootee Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center.
He was born October 16, 1921 in Loogootee, Indiana to the late Harry and Bridget (Mattingly) Bowling. Dr. Strange delivered Bill at home and Bill’s mother always told him the Dr. charged fifteen dollars and he was worth every penny of it. Dr. Strange was also the mayor of Loogootee at the time.
Bill married Ardis Katherine Braun on June 12, 1948 and they had three kids – Pat, Marsha and Rick.
Bill was raised catholic and attended St. John Grade School and Loogootee High School. After school he joined the Civilian Conservation Corps and worked at Carnahan Manufacturing Company.
When World War II broke out he joined the United States Marine on February 16, 1942 at 20 years old. Following training Bill and his fellow Marines fought in the Battle of Guadalcanal, the first offensive of World War II. After Guadalcanal, he spent some time in Australia, New Guinea, New Britain Island and then Peleliu. Bill’s four years in the Marines ended on February 19, 1946.
When he returned, Bill’s dad convinced him to become an electrician, and he started the Bowling Electric Service. He also had an appliance store and bought a mobile home court.
In his free time he enjoyed reading, walking and spending time with family. He loved going to all his grandkids school and sporting events. He was an avid Loogootee Lion fan. He also had a place on West Boggs Lake for more than 30 years.
In 2015 Bill and his son Rick, went on the Honor Flight Trip to Washington D.C. He was also a member of the NRA, American Legion, St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church and Martin County Historical Society.
Bill was preceded in death by his wife, Ardis; son, Pat Bowling; parents, Harry and Bridget Bowling; grandsons, Benjamin and Ryan Street; great-grandson, Dominic Wilson; sisters, Margie Sherfick and Dorothy Hortie; brothers, Jim, Jack and Lester Bowling.
He is survived by his children, Rick Bowling and Marsha (Terry) Street; brother, Don (Patty) Bowling; grandchildren, Karen Wilson (companion, Phillip Norris), Jeff (Kara) Bowling, Stephanie (Rob) Powell, Erin Like, and Kyle (Bobi) Street;
great-grandchildren, Ben, Ayden and Cade Wilson, Patrick, Lauren, Alex and Landon Bowling, Christina (Cory) Rayhill, Ashleigh (Ethan) Smith, Andrew and Annalise Powell, Bridget Like, and Gabriel, Levi and Ryan Street; great-great-grandson, Hudson Rayhill.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Very Rev. J. Kenneth Walker at 10:00 a.m. Monday, September 9, 2019 at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church. Burial will follow in St. John Catholic Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Sunday, September 8, 2019 from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Blake Funeral Home in Loogootee.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church for masses. Condolences may be made online at www.blakefuneralhomes.com
Arrangements were provided by Blake Funeral Home in Loogootee.
