Joseph W. Bowling
July 28, 1935 – June16, 2016
Joseph W. Bowling (Joe), beloved husband, brother, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend, entered his Savior’s arms on June 16, 2017. Born on July 28, 1935 to Earl S. and Edra Mai Bowling of Memphis, TN, Joe graduated from Central High School where he met his lifelong love, Juanita Lindsey Bowling. After attending Memphis State University, he began his business career at Belton Bagging Company, working his way to Cottonseed and Soybean Oil Mill Manager for Procter and Gamble (Buckeye), and eventually to Archer Daniels Midland, from where he retired in 1998. He also served as President of the National Cottonseed Products Association. Joe brought his grand presence and indomitable work ethic into every arena of life, from the boardroom, to the golf course where he was affectionately known as “Gorilla Joe” by his buddies, to his impeccable taste in the kitchen and his keen eye for gardening. Everything about Joe was larger-than-life, from his towering frame, to his huge laugh, generous heart, and fast wit, not to mention the grandiose affection he had for his beloved Jack Russell, Eddie.
He was preceded in death by his parents and older sister, Earlene Bowling Henderson Belcher. He leaves on this side of heaven; his “Earth Angel” wife of 61 years, Juanita L. Bowling of Edmond, Ok; sister Ann B. Rose of Highlands, NC; and three children: Debbie Bowling Denton (Dale) of Enid, OK; Denise Bowling Griffin (Mike) of Edmond, OK; and Dale Bowling (Janine) of Saginaw, TX. He took great delight in his six grandchildren: Patrick Denton; Lindsey Denton Murphy; Taylor, Madison, and Grant Griffin; and Paige Bowling, as well as his 8 great-grandchildren, who lovingly knew him as “Papa”. Joe was a strong presence in his family and community, and leaves behind two nephews, three nieces, dear friends, and a loving church family at Crossings Community Church whom he all greatly treasured. A Memorial Service will be held in The Chapel of Crossings Community Church, OKC, OK on Tuesday June 20, 2017 at 2:30 p.m. Matthews Funeral Home, Edmond, Okla., is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to MD Anderson, Shriner’s Children’s Hospital, Crossings Community Church, or Living Faith Prison Ministry. To celebrate his memory, the family recommends the Bread Pudding Soufflé at Commander’s Palace in New Orleans, which he strongly believed to the best dessert in the world.
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11