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MAIN INDEX	CLASS OF 1934	CLASS MEMORIES	REUNION INFO


Name:	Ernest M. Bowsman (Nickname = Ernie)
Spouse:	Phyllis L. Braddock Bowsman
Address	980 W. Business 30
	Columbia City, IN 46725
Phone Number
Email Address
Personal Website
Class of	1934	Attended from through
Graduated Here?	Yes
If graduated elsewhere, graduated from:
College Attended:

Birthdate:	May 21, 1916
Date of Death:	November 25, 2007

Current Occupation:

Notes:	The Post and Mail November 26, 2007: Ernest Marion Bowsman, 91 May 21, 1916 - Nov. 25, 2007 Ernest Marion Bowsman, 91, a retired businessman of Columbia City, died at 11:45 am. Sunday, Nov. 25, 2007, at The Oaks Living Center in Columbia City, where he had been a resident since Oct. 25. He had been in failing health since suffering a stroke in January 2003. Born in Smith Township, Whitley County on May 21, 1916, a son of Ira Edward and Iva Mae (Leland) Bowsman, he lived all his life in Whitley County and graduated from Columbia City High School. He spent four years in the U.S. Army, serving 14 months in Europe during World War II. He was honorably discharged in January 1946. He worked road construction for Harry Bollinger and Bontrager Construction of Elkhart, did long distance semi-truck hauling in partnership with Ralph Joker for Motor Cargo and in 1952, bought the concrete burial vault business from Guy Putman and renamed it Bowsman Vault Company. He later added concrete septic tanks. In October 1981, he sold the business to his son, Robert, and retired. On May 28, 1948, he was united in marriage to Phyllis L. Braddock and they have always resided in Columbia City. Following his retirement, they spent winters in Arizona in 1983 and Okeechobie, Fla. from 1984 until 1996. He was a member of American Legion Post 98. Survivors include his wife, Phyllis; a son, Robert Bowsman; a daughter, Donna (David) Hearld, all of Columbia City; two grandchildren; two great-grandchildren and a sister, Janetta Crabill of Okeechobie. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three brothers, Earl, Howard and Francis Bowsman; and six sisters, Gladys Ruby, Cleo Gaer, Florence Bercot, Faye Irene Burcham, Evelyn Wertz and Helen Bowsman. The funeral service is at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home in Columbia City, with the Rev. J. Phillip Blake officiating. Visitation is from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Burial is at Greenhill Cemetery, with military honors by American Legion Post 98. For those who wish, memorials may be made to American Legion Post 98. Condolences may be sent to www.smithandsonsfuneralhome.com.

Last Updated:	11-26-2007		Alumni ID:	11302

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