Maxon C. “Max” Bowman, age 77, of Mount Gilead, died Friday evening, December 23, 2011, at his residence following an extended illness.
On May 5, 1934, Max was born in Perrysville, Ohio, one of twelve children of the late Thomas and Edith (Leddy) Bowman.
Max worked for several years at the Westinghouse in Mansfield, and then joined nearly his entire family working for Mansfield Plumbing Products where he worked for over 43 years until retiring in 1997.
Getting a second chance at love, Max was introduced to Mary Jo Ansley Bachelder, by their mutual friends, the Cavinees. Max and Mary Jo were united in marriage on September 21, 1991, and they were by each other’s side for the next 20+ years.
A man of faith, Max was a member of the First Baptist Church. Following his retirement, he served as the church custodian for over 14 years. He is a member of the Moose Lodge, and was formerly a social member of the V.F.W. Post 8054.
With a love for traveling, Max and Mary Jo “were quite the wanderers”, traveling here and there to see family and friends. They also enjoyed several cruises and trips to Florida. They loved camping together, taking their camper to many of the state park campgrounds and even taking an infamous trip to the beaches of North Carolina.
Having a lifelong love for country and gospel music, Max enjoyed square dancing with the “Hicks and Chicks” Square Dance Club. He also enjoyed he and Mary Jo’s trips to Branson and to the Grand Ole’ Opry in Nashville, Tennessee.
An avid sports fan, Max enjoyed watching sports on television and attending games when he could. Though, his favorite baseball and basketball games to watch were the ones his grandchildren were playing in.
A kind and considerate man, Max always made sure his family and friends were well taken care of, especially Mary Jo. He enjoyed playfully razzing his grandchildren and spending time out of doors on the back deck with them. It could also be said, that Max was “quite set in his ways”, enjoying life’s simple pleasures like Mary Jo’s wonderful home-cooked meals.
He will be dearly missed by his wife, Mary Jo Bowman of Mount Gilead; three children: Raymond Bowman of Jeromesville, Ohio, Brad (Trudy) Bowman of Nye, Montana, Vikki Yuengert of Ashland, Ohio; two step-children: Karen (Michael) Kurilec, and Sharon (Craig) Hackworth, both of Mount Gilead; 16 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren; a brother, Curt (Judy) Bowman of Loudenville; a sister, Norma LeMaitre of Ashland; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Including his parents, Max was preceded in death by his son, Terry Bowman; and by 6 brothers and 3 sisters.
The Bowman family will greet friends from 4 – 7 p.m. on Tuesday, December 27, 2011, at the Snyder Funeral Home Chapel, 76 S. Main St., Mount Gilead. Memorial services celebrating his life will be held on Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. at the First Baptist Church, 51 W. High St., Mount Gilead, with Pastors Josh and Kelly Melvin officiating. Burial will be observed privately by his family in Bryn Zion Cemetery at 10am prior to the memorial service.
Memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church, 51 W. High St., Mount Gilead, OH 43338, or to Hospice of Morrow County, 228 South St., Mount Gilead, OH 43338.
Snyder Funeral Homes of Mount Gilead is honored to have been chosen to serve Max’s family and condolences may be expressed to his family by visiting www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.
About Marion Online Obituaries
