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Submitted: 5/25/19 • Approved: 8/28/19 • Last Updated: 6/29/23 • R1270848-G1270848-S3
August 3, 1947 - September 16, 2015
*Obituary
John Robert Bowles, 68, of Camden, AR, much-loved husband, Dad and Granddaddy, departed this life Wednesday, September 16, 2015 with his beloved daughters and his wife of 45 years by his side. John was born in Magnolia, Arkansas on August 3, 1947 to Thomas and Estelle Bowles. He grew up on the campus of Southern State College in Magnolia, where he later completed his Bachelor’s degree before going on to the University of Arkansas to complete his Master of Public Administration degree. John also served in the U.S. Navy. He married his wife Kathryn (Braswell) in 1970. He and his family moved to Camden, Arkansas in 1983, where he resided until his death.
John was a Contracts Specialist Administrator with Aerojet Rocketdyne and was very dedicated to his work. His hobbies included wood working and spending time in his shop and yard as well as taking care of his mischievous dogs, Shep and Lucky. John loved to cook and grill, and it was always a treat when he made his famous baked beans.
John’s three children, Caroline, Scott and Emily, and his six grandchildren, Chloe, Sidney, Juliette, Vaughn, Anneke, Ben and great-granddaughter, Mia, were the apples of his eye and his pride and joy. You could always expect a smile on his face when his grandkids were among the conversation or visiting. He and Kathy enjoyed travels to their children’s homes in Kansas City; Portland, Oregon and San Diego, making priceless memories with their children and grandchildren.
John was a faithful member of First Presbyterian Church in Camden, where he served as Elder for many years.
His parents, Thomas David and Estelle Byler Bowles and his son, Scott Braswell Bowles, preceded John in death. He is survived by his wife, Kathy Bowles of Camden; daughter Caroline (David) Bleckmann of Portland, Oregon; daughter Emily Frost of Kansas City, Missouri; grandchildren Chloe Mills and Sidney Bowles of San Diego, California; Juliette and Vaughn Frost of Kansas City, Missouri; Anneke and Ben Bleckmann of Portland, Oregon; great-granddaughter, Mia Mancuso of San Diego, California, brother Thomas (Sharon) Bowles of Springhill, Louisiana and mother-in-law, Margie Braswell of Camden, a sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Brenda and Tom Burns of Texarkana, Texas. Nieces and great nieces and nephews with whom he enjoyed many special holiday and family gatherings also survive him.
A memorial service to celebrate John’s life will be held at First Presbyterian Church in Camden on Sunday, September 20, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. Visitation will be held on Saturday, September 19, 2015 from 6:00 till 7:00 p.m. at Proctor Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made in John’s memory to First Presbyterian Church or a charity of your choice.
Contributed on 5/25/19 by Kbowles
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Record #: 1270848