He was born January 24, 1941 in Garrett, KY, to Ernest and Mary Ann (Blanton) Bowling. He graduated from Sullivan High School in 1959, joined the Navy and served on the USS Macon as a Navigator until 1962. On June 16th, 1962, he married Margaret Ann (Marley) Bowling. He began his career as a tool and die maker at Firestone Tire & Rubber, eventually retiring in 2000 from Lockheed Martin in Akron, OH.
Tom was an avid fisherman, enjoyed gardening, and loved to golf. He was a talented craftsman of wood and lovingly created several pieces of furniture, toys and segmented bowls for his family, friends and charitable organizations. He was a dedicated fan of The Ohio State Buckeyes, Cleveland Indians and Cleveland Cavaliers. Tom was a licensed amateur radio operator and a proud member of the Democratic Party. He adored his family and treasured every moment he spent with his children and grandchildren.
Surviving are his wife, Margaret; children, Mary Bowling of Columbus, Thomas (JoAnn) Bowling of Garfield Hts., Valerie (Gary) Chaney of Streetsboro, Elizabeth Rutledge of Ashland and Eric Bowling of Wadsworth; grandchildren, Tommy, Molly, Nick, D.J., Katie, Adam, Anna, Alex and Sarah; a sister, Rosemary (Nick) Harpster of Ashland; along with many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Ernest, Merril and Robert and sisters, Gladys and Linda.
Per Tom’s wishes, there will be no calling hours. A service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Friday, April 20, 2018 at the Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery in Rittman, OH. The Ashland Home of Wappner Funeral Directors is assisting the family. Contributions may be directed to the Ashland County Cancer Association, 1011 E. Main St. Suite B, Ashland, OH 44805 or the Ashland County Animal Shelter, 1710 Garfield Ave., Ashland, OH 44805.
The family would like to warmly thank the Staff at UH Samaritan Medical Center in Ashland, the Ashland Fire Department, Samaritan Home Care, Drs. Tai Chi Kwok & Christine Lee and Staff in Wooster and Dr. Tejas Mehta & Kimberly Rosser, R.N. and Staff at the UH Samaritan Heart Failure Clinic in Ashland.
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