John Robert Bowman

Aug. 31, 1922 - Feb. 6, 2016

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on March 12 at the Community Presbyterian Church, 425 Hemlock, Vacaville, for John Robert Bowman, 93, of Vacaville. The former Ceres man and longtime Vacaville businessman died Feb. 6, 2016.

Born Aug. 31, 1922 to Jacob "Jake" and Lucile Bowman in Scott City, Kansas, when he was four the family moved to Ceres aboard a Model T Ford. His father was a well-known banker with the Bank of Ceres at Fourth and Lawrence streets. John attended Ceres Grammar School during the Depression and graduated from Ceres High School as the valedictorian and class president. He played baseball and basketball as a Bulldog. He received a scholarship and attended University of California at Berkeley. After studying two years World War II started and John joined the Army infantry after training at Fort Benning, Ga. He landed at Normandy Beach about two weeks after D-Day and immediately found himself in combat. He fought at the Battle of the Bulge, rose to captain, and received a Bronze Star, Infantry Combat Badge, four major campaign ribbons and a Purple Heart. After the war John returned to UC Berkeley and graduated with a degree in Business in 1947.

While on a visit to his family home in Turlock John met Marjorie Lucille Larson and they were married in 1948. Their first son, Edward John, was born in 1949.

In 1950 Mr. Bowman was recalled to the Army to serve in Korea as an infantry captain. He was able to return home in 1952. Two more children came along - David Robert and Mary Ann. While in Modesto, John worked at two office supply companies and pursued a career with Dean Witter stock brokerage. His dream of owning his own business was realized in 1968 in Vacaville when he opened Bowman's Stationers. The business attracted the partnership of his sons and earned a number of awards before closing in 2008.

Mr. Bowman served as a commander of the Turlock American Legion post and belonged to the American Legion for 60 years. He was a past president of the Kiwanis Club of Modesto, and a past director of the Vacaville Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Bowmen was also a member of the Vacaville Moose Lodge. He had a deep faith in God and was a member of Community Presbyterian Church in Vacaville.

He leaves behind his wife of 67 years, Marjorie Bowman of Vacaville; his children, David Bowman and Mary Ann Pearce; his brother, George W. Bowman; and nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be sent to Community Presbyterian Church or Sutter Care Hospice.

-Ceres (Calif.) Courier
Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2016