Cover photo for Willie "Bill" R. Bowman Jr.'s Obituary
Willie "Bill" R. Bowman Jr. Profile Photo
1937 Willie 2024

Willie "Bill" R. Bowman Jr.

March 17, 1937 — November 1, 2024

Liberty

Liberty resident Willie “Bill” R. Bowman Jr., 87, passed away Friday, November 1, 2024 at Hospice of Hamilton with his children by his side. Bill was born on March 17, 1937 in Reading, Ohio to William R. Sr., and Evelyn M. Garrison Bowman. He graduated from Glendale High School in 1955. Bill married his true love, the former Barbara Retzsch on December 7, 1957 in Lawrenceburg, Indiana. Together they shared 65 years prior to her death on July 14, 2023. Bill was employed by GE airlines as an inventory planner for 43 years prior to his retirement. He was a member of the ET Carson F&AM Lodge #598, The GE ELFun Society, as well as the Treasurer of the FOOOs. Bill was a Nascar enthusiast, and avid sports fan. He enjoyed all outdoor activities especially camping at Dubois Campground, watching his grandchildren’s ball games, and spending time with his family. He will be deeply missed by his family, however they find comfort in knowing he is reunited with Barb. Bill is survived by his children and their spouses: Ronald (Ronda) Bowman, Nancy Bowman, Lisa Hylton; Sister: Janice Marie Britton; brother-in-law: Don Retzsch; grandchildren: Amanda (Eric) Schneider, Nathan (Laura) Bowman, James Bowman, Luke Bowman, Alli Hylton; great-grandchildren: Cameron, Henry, Christian, Noah, Luke; canine companions: Joe and Lila. In addition to his loving wife Barb, Bill is preceded in death by his parents; sister: Gerri Lynn Cornejo; several canine companions. The family would like to thank Hospice of Hamilton for their utmost care and compassion. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Hamilton in Bill’s honor. The ET Carson Masonic Lodge will conduct final rites at 4 p.m., Sunday, November 10, 2024 at Showalter Blackwell Long, Fosdick Chapel, Liberty with Bill’s Celebration of Life officiated by Rob Clevenger to immediately follow. Friends may visit at the funeral home from 2 p.m., until the time of service.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Willie "Bill" R. Bowman Jr., please visit our flower store.

Service Schedule

Past Services

Visitation for Family and Friends

Sunday, November 10, 2024

2:00 - 4:00 pm (Eastern time)

Showalter Blackwell Long Funeral Home

Fosdick Street, Liberty, IN 47353

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

Masonic Final Rites

Sunday, November 10, 2024

Starts at 4:00 pm (Eastern time)

Showalter Blackwell Long Funeral Home

Fosdick Street, Liberty, IN 47353

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

Celebration of Life

Sunday, November 10, 2024

Starts at 4:00 pm (Eastern time)

Showalter Blackwell Long Funeral Home

Fosdick Street, Liberty, IN 47353

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

Photo Gallery

Guestbook

Visits: 0

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the
Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Service map data © OpenStreetMap contributors

Send Flowers

Send Flowers

Plant A Tree

Plant A Tree