Joel Kenneth Bowman, Sr.

On Friday, February 10th, Joel Kenneth Bowman, Sr., loving father and grandfather, passed away at the age of 99.

Born on July 10, 1923 to Dorus and Rosa Bowman, Kenneth spent his life in the Callaway area, helping people. He was a fixer. There was no problem he couldn't solve with a little time to think of a creative solution and the right parts to make it happen. He was an entrepreneur. He owned and operated several businesses, most notably Retreat Store and Bowman's Appliances which were mainstays in the community until he and his son, J.K., retired.

When people speak about Kenneth, they most often say he was "a good man". He worked hard to take care of his family. He had a huge heart and helped whomever he could, as much as he could, whenever he could. And he was humble. All of the kindnesses were done quietly, without judgment or need for accolades. Kenneth was a gentle man who used his long life to bless others. It is impossible to overstate how much he will be missed by all who knew him.

Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents, Dorus and Rosa Bowman, brothers Hollace and Ralph, beloved first wife, mother to his children, Eloise, daughter Nancy, his in-laws Oliver and Ada Thompson, brothers-in-law Winfred and Junior and sister-in-law Louise.

He was also preceded in death by his second wife Eva Bowles and stepdaughter Barbara.

He is survived by sons J.K. (Doris) and John (Sherry), grandchildren Tammy (Ken), Jennifer and Ryan (Kathy) and great-grandchildren Gaven, Bryanna and Lincoln.

He is also survived by stepchildren Charles (Rain), Jim (Laura), Amos (Marsha), Steve, Kay, Dorothy, Martha (P.J.) and their families.

Praise the Lord for Kenneth's wonderful caregivers these past four months, Beverly and Joe Rutter. He loved them very much and they were a true blessing to him and his family.

A graveside funeral service will be held on Monday, February 13th, at 11:00 AM at Antioch Church of the Brethren - 2996 Callaway Rd, Rocky Mount, VA 24151 with Rev. Andy Duffy officiating. There will be no visitation per Kenneth's request.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in memory of Kenneth to Antioch Church of the Brethren: https://sites.google.com/view/acob/give   Arrangements by Conner-Bowman Funeral Home, 62 VA Market Place Drive, Rocky Mount, VA  24151

540-334-5151