David Eugene Bowman passed away on January 17, 2026 at his home. He was born in Yokohama, Japan on May 21, 1950, where his father was stationed at the conclusion of World War II.

David was always a friend to those in need, and that was best illustrated in his last years when he spent a significant amount of his time helping both a veteran who lacked adequate support and a group of feral cats that came to view David as their source of survival. And he was devoted to his late, special dog, Stevie.

David enjoyed sports, both as a fan and as a coach, where he helped coach his nephew’s baseball team. David also enjoyed spending time outdoors, and he personally planted tens of thousands of trees. His legacy to nature literally lives on in the forests of Middle Georgia.

David was preceded in death by his parents, Olin Frank Bowman and Bertha Bowman, as well as his brothers, Frankie Bowman and Eddie Bowman. David’s bond with Eddie was deep and special. They were raised in a different era, by parents who had experienced the Great Depression and World War II, and they therefore grew up quickly, perhaps too quickly. Hijinks and adventures ensued, with a few mishaps here and there, but David’s compass always pointed North. True North.

David is survived by his wife, Joy Bowman, daughters, Rebecca “Becky” Bowman and Catherine “Laney” Bowman, grandchildren, Kendal Redding, Kaitlyn Redding, Jacob Probst, Bo Probst, William Case and Roxanne Case, siblings, Susan Marsh, Sharee Watterson and Ricky Bowman, numerous nieces and nephews, with special mention to Tommy Marsh, Tammy Marsh Holloway and Stephen K. Marsh, whose lives he made a lasting impact on from their youngest days. Learning the right way to do things and treat people can come from many sources, but from the standpoint of his nieces and nephews, David Bowman was a primary source for those behaviors. He will always have a beloved place in their hearts.

A special thank you to Columbus Hospice for their care and compassion in his final days.

Georgia Cremation-Columbus is assisting the family with the arrangements.