John Wayne Bowman, Sr.

On July 29, 2026, John Wayne “Duke” Bowman Sr. passed away. Born in Pennsylvania to A. Jane Bowman and the late Elmer Grant Bowman, he was the loving husband and best friend of Jeannie Bowman; devoted father of Robby Bowman, John Bowman, Jr., Kirby Shifflett, and Kalli Shifflett; dear brother of Debbie and Terry Bollman, Janet Mills, Pete and Lois Bowman, Elmer Bowman, Jr., Gary and Vicki Bowman, Bobby and Susie Bowman, Jayne Bowman, Tina and Kevin Clippinger; and caring uncle of many nieces and nephews. John was also the very proud “Pappy” of 8 grandchildren, Aubree, Jace, Jacob, Makenzie, Makaela, Makenna, Kinsley, and Harlow.

John was a retired building supervisor at Piney Ridge Elementary School. In his spare time, he loved going for rides in his truck, especially in the Great Smoky Mountains looking for bears. He was also good at repairing lawn tractors and small engines.