Obituary of Jay Eugene Bowman Jr

Jay Eugene Bowman Jr was born on December 12, 1941 in Monroe.   He was one of eight children born from the union of Jay Eugene and Edna Marie (Coss) Bowman Sr.   Jay attended Mason and Monroe Schools.   He then honorably served his country in the United States Army 82nd Airborne obtaining the rank of Corporal E4. 

Jay married the love of his life Darlene Kay Eckhart on February 29, 1964 in Temperance.   He spent more than thirty-six years employed with the Monroe County Road Commission as a Heavy Equipment Operator and truck driver retiring in 2000.  

Jay loved the outdoors, and for many years looked forward to annual trips to Glennie and Hillman to visit Fletchers Pond where family and friends spent the weekend fishing and hunting.   He also enjoyed ice cold soda along the banks of Lake Erie.   Jay was well-known for his garage tinkering.    A natural jokester, he always kept others on their toes.   Although at times bull-headed and bossy, Jay had a soft side, and his smile could light up any room.   He enjoyed coloring in children’s books and word searches; watching John Wayne movies, his Tigers, Lions, and Redwings, and Dale Earnhardt.   He was a life-long fan of his role model, Audie Murphy, and a member of LaSalle Presbyterian Church.

Jay, age 75 of LaSalle passed away at ProMedica Monroe Regional Hospital on Thursday, June 8, 2017.  His passing is preceded by a sister: Linda.

To cherish his memory, Jay leaves his beloved wife: Darlene of LaSalle; two sons: Jay (Rina) Bowman III of Newport and Jerald Edward Bowman of Newport; six siblings: Joanne Bowman, Ronald (Andrea) Bowman, Leona (Billy) Gump, Roberta (Paul) Hornsby, Robert (Karen) Bowman, and Chris Bowman; his parenst: Jay Eugene Sr. and Edna Marie (Coss) Bowman; grandchildren: Whitney Betz, Matthew Wing, Alayna Wing, Kelci Bowman and Kyla Small; great-grandchildren: Dylan, Ashley, Caleb, Brina, Jonathan, Brendan, Gracie, Vivian, Allie, Kaiyan, and one on the way; and best friends: Clifford Veiner, Donald Steinman, and John Procy.

Friends may gather from 2:00pm-8:00pm on Sunday, June 11, 2017 at Merkle Funeral Service; South Monroe, 14567 South Dixie (734) 241-7070.   A Celebration of His Life will be held at 11:00am, Monday, June 12 also at Merkle’s with Pastor Bruce Lehman of Gracepoint officiating.   Procession will follow to LaSalle Township Cemetery where graveside services will be under the auspices of Monroe VFW Post 1138.

Online guests may visit www.merklefs.com.