Joan L. (McClaskey) Bowman

Born January 17, 1931 to Elmer and Lina McClaskey. She was sister to Floyd, Beverly and Juanita. Each had entered the gates of Heaven before Joan. Her formative years were lived in the country on a farm. Yes, she was a farm girl; she told everyone!  She attended Cardington High School, Cardington, Ohio, where she met her future husband, Donald L. Bowman. Her parents bought a farm in Johnsville, Ohio. Joan finished high school in Johnsville.  Don returned while on leave in the Air Force. Love blossomed between Don and Joan. On May 13, 1951, they started a new life as husband and wife. Soon children started filling the house with laughter, crying, messes, joy and entertainment, along with all that 6 children bring to a family.  She strived to make her family comfortable, content and loved. The house was filled with the smells of baked bread, raisin oatmeal cookies, homemade soups and so much more. Joan accomplished her goal of providing a loving home for Don to come home to, raising successfully six honorable, kind and genuine children into adulthood.  As they all married the grandchildren arrived. More to love and nurture!

Don and Joan, longtime members of Berean Baptist Church in Portage, MI where she served in many areas of ministry.  Her gift of hospitality opened their home for many dinners and after services desserts and fellowships.  Early church years were at Pulaskiville Community Bible Church in Mt Gilead, Ohio.  Other moves took them to Racine, WI and Wooster, OH.  They also enjoyed several winters in Bradenton, FL.

Joan was a talented seamstress and loved to quilt and crochet.  She enjoyed her vegetable and flower gardens.

As each of us fondly remember all she was, one thread of memory flows through the tapestry of her life: Kindness to all. Joan’s kindness is celebrated. Her kindness was always present.  Kind words and gentle actions flowed from her heart.

In the last few years, her memory started to fade. Through those years, Don’s love for her was evident daily. Their love never ceased. When difficulties came, even then her kind words and loving actions won over all those caring for her.  Her life was a living testament to her Lord, Jesus Christ. She met her Lord and Savior on October 12, 2022.

Joan leaves behind her husband of 71 years, Donald L. Bowman. Son, Dan L. (Kathy) Bowman, grandchildren, Ryan, Phillip, and Megan; Deceased Son, Bruce W. Bowman (Ferree Hardy), grandchildren, Brooke, Lisa and Bradley; Daughter, Sharon M. Herron, grandchildren, Rebekah, Jacob and Jennifer; Daughter, Susan E. (Barton) Harter, grandchildren, Brenna and Austin; Son, Brian E. (Diane) Bowman, grandchildren, Amy, Holly, Mindy, Stephen, Carly, Issac, Stacy, Kelly, Mallory, Jesse, Mark and Avery; Son, Michael D. (Monique) Bowman grandchild, Lauren. Also leaving behind, 38 great grandchildren.

The family will receive friends from 11:00 AM-12:00 PM on Friday, October 21, 2022, at Berean Baptist Church, 7813 S 12th St, Portage, MI 49024, where her service will follow at 12:00 PM. A graveside service will be held at 2:30 PM at Portage South Cemetery. Memorials in Joan's memory may be directed to Alternatives of Kalamazoo. Please visit Joan’s memory page to sign her guestbook or share a memory at https://www.langelands.com