William Tye Bowman was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. He left this world on Monday December 18, 2023, at the age of 87. He was born to Thomas and Sarah (Cook) Bowman on March 28, 1936.
After graduating from Owsley Co. High School, and serving his Country in the United States Army for 2 years, he met his future wife, Mabel (Maggard) Bowman in City Restaurant in McKee. Two years later, they were wed on Christmas eve in a double wedding ceremony with their best friends. Together they had two children, Dr. Jeffrey G Bowman of Upper Arlington Ohio and Donna Cope of Liberty Township Ohio. William is survived by his devoted wife of 63 years, Mabel, and by his children; as well as by his older sister Dicie Gorker of San Jose California, who just turned 90 years old. He was preceded in death by his big brother Robert, his younger sister Donna Cann, and by niece Theresa Cann.
William was the loving grandfather to both Donna’s daughter, Sarah Elisabeth; and to Jeff’s son Thomas James. He was the cherished father-in-law to Jeff’s wife, Chona; and to Donna’s husband Curtis. William’s nieces and nephews include his sister Dicie’s children: Glenna, Karla, and Sheryl. His brother Robert’s children: Jamie, Billy Darryl, Ashley, and Hope. And his sister Donna’s children: Micki, Tammy, and Donna Lynn. William retired from General Electric after 32 years.
He and his wife Mabel then entered into a second career trading securities in the markets. His interests and hobbies included travel and taking day-trips to various sites of interest, particularly those in Kentucky (until this was cut short by medical limitations). He loved to read and was oftentimes found holding various large-print novels. When sleepy, he would often nap while playing the card game “Hearts” on the computer or with the television news droning on in the background. Sundays in the Bowman home would usually include large country breakfasts served buffet-style followed by one of William’s favorite activities; playing mischievous, humor-filled, love-filled games of Uno with his children, grandchildren, and in-laws. William was a Master Mason (Sharonville Lodge #204) for over 50 years, as had been his father before him.
Prior to moving from Booneville, William was a member of the Booneville Baptist Church; where he accepted Jesus Christ as his personal savior. In Ohio, William was a member of the Heritage Hill Baptist Church in Springdale. Regardless of where William was, he always carried a deep love and affection for his friends and family in Owsley County KY. Until his health made travel difficult, he would try to visit Booneville as often as possible and meet with his “old time” friends and acquaintances across from the courthouse over a cup of coffee in the restaurant across from the courthouse.
Throughout his life, he remained an example of “you can take the boy away from the county, but you can never take Owsley County away from the boy’s heart”. Funeral services December 23, 2023 at the Booneville Funeral Home with Pastor Gerald Maupin officiating. Burial; Bowman Family Cemetery located in the New Hope community of Owsley County. The Booneville Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.
