Obituary of Elder R. Bowman

Bowman, Elder R., Sr. "Al" of Saint Charles, Michigan Beloved husband, father and grandfather passed away peacefully, with his family by his side on Thursday, July 12, 2018 at Covenant HealthCare - Cooper. He was 79 years old. Elder Roy Bowman was born on January 1, 1939 in Saginaw, Michigan to the late Charles and Aurelia (Hepinstall) Bowman, his mother being a direct descendant to the original Freeland family, the founders of Freeland. Al proudly enlisted into the United States Navy from 1956 to 1959. While on shore duty, Al worked as a stunt motorcyclist performer for the circus. He was featured on the television program "It Could Be You" in 1956, where his secret marriage to his first wife, Carol, was revealed. He married Sandy Ralph Culver, his partner in life, on August 7, 1971 in Saginaw, Michigan at the Bridgeport Community Church; she survives him. Together they created a beautiful blended family. In his younger years, Al was employed by the Gase Baking Company, where he met Sandy. He later worked as a millwright at General Motors Central Foundry, retiring after 25 years of service. Al was baptized into the Seventh-Day Adventist Church as a full member. Back in the day, Al raced at the drag strip with the car he built, the Hairy Cherry, and won many trophies. Al recently said goodbye to his biker days by selling his 1956 Harley Davidson Panhead. He loved things that moved fast, being out on the speedboat or racing Jeeps. Even though he wasn't any good at it, in his spare time, Al enjoyed fishing. He spent his life as a tinkerer, being able to pull things apart and put them together. Al could often see things nobody else could see and could be able to build it. Above all, he loved and cherished his family. Surviving are his wife of 46 years, Sandra Lee Bowman of Saint Charles; six sons: Todd David Culver of Saginaw, Craig John Culver of Saginaw, Donald Coburn (Nikki) Culver, III, of Thomas Township, Scott Elder Bowman of Bridgeport, Elder Roy Bowman, Jr. of Saint Charles and Christian Charles (Nicole) Bowman of Burt; 14 grandchildren: Derek, JP, GiGi, Corena, Cody, Austin, Garrett, Jessica, Scottie, Adena, Ariah, Alona, Haley and Nathaniel; twin great-grandsons; one brother, Walter "Wally" (Kristine) Bowman of Luzerne; two brothers-in-law: John (Faye) Ralph of Goodrich, AZ and Asst. Pastor Jeffrey (Katherine) Ralph of Saginaw; two sisters-in-law: Lisa Wells Burnham of Florida and Renee Ralph Dycus of Saginaw; and Al's young nephew hero, police officer Dylan Ralph with the Saginaw Township Police Department. Also surviving are many nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends. He was preceded in death by a sister, Joann Helpap; a grandson, Jacob Youst; brother-in-law, Denny Ralph; a dear friend of over 40 years, Tom Halliday, and his canine little boy, Buck. Sandy wants everyone to know what a joy it was to live her life as Mrs. Al Bowman and wishes that everyone could find the kind of love that she and Al shared. FUNERAL: A Funeral Service will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 18, 2018 at the St. Charles Seventh-Day Adventist Church, 125 Marcy Street, Saint Charles, Michigan, 48655. Pastor Benjamin Garcia will officiate. Burial will follow at St. Andrew Cemetery. VISITATION: Friends are welcome to visit with the family at the Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter Rd. (off State) on Tuesday from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Al will lie in state at the church on Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. MEMORIALS: In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to the Saginaw County Humane Society or the Rescue Mission. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the funeral home, church or through www.deislerfuneralhome.com.