Millard “Red” Bowman, 90, passed away on Monday, April 11, 2016, surrounded by family at Flagstaff Medical Center. He was born in Talihina, Okla., and grew up working on the family farm. He was inducted in the Navy in 1944. He served during World War II, and participated in operations located at Yellow Beach-Iwo Jima, Okinawa and Lady of Philippines. After the war, he worked in Los Angeles, Calif., as a screw machine and turret lathe operator. He moved to Flagstaff in 1957 after falling in love with the state and made it his home. He worked mostly as an auto mechanic. He moved to Winslow and met his wife, Juanita. They married and started raising children. During the course of their 57 years of marriage, they cared for family members, family member’s children and friends of family–some stayed for a short time and some until they completed high school. Their home was always open, proving their love and generosity. They had five children, 13 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren with one great-grandson on the way. Upon retirement, he was devoted to his grandchildren and attended many sporting events. He taught many family members how to drive. He enjoyed gardening and often shared what he grew. He loved walking and looking for arrowheads. Later he collected cans to recycle, sharing the profits with his grandchildren. During his walks, he enjoyed chatting with whomever he ran into. Survivors include his wife, Juanita; daughter Janice of Winslow, and her children, Selina, Brian, Patrick and Allysea; daughter Melinda (Arthur) Somoza, and their children, Kathryn and Alexandra of Ohio; daughter Doris (Jerry) Sullivan and their children, Lynnissa, Shawna and John of Winslow; son Terry; and son Larry of Alaska and his children, Hanna, Aubrey, Glori and Rohannon. He was preceded in death by his parents, Belle and Jim Bowman; five brothers, Jimmie, Roehanan, Harvey, Nute and Wayne; and three sisters, Maggie Lou, Flora and Luceal. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the charity of your choice. Greer’s Mortuary of Winslow was in charge of the arrangements.
