Pat Leon Bowman

A longtime resident of the community he loved, Pat Bowman was a blessing in the lives of those around him. He was vibrant, hardworking, and loving with a spirit of generosity that extended to numerous others within his reach. Pat was a devoted husband and loving father who was filled with unspeakable joy to witness his family tree blossom to include the branches of grandchildren and great-grandchildren who were his greatest source of pride and joy. A man of faith, he faced whatever trials came his way with both courage and strength that were deeply rooted in the beliefs that were engraved upon his heart. All who knew Pat would agree that there was nothing like one of his stories, and he loved nothing more than making others laugh. A gift to everyone he met, he will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

The 1920s were an exciting time to be an American when innovation was taking us places we had never been. Motion pictures became available in both color and sound while cars were affordable to the average family thanks to the assembly line. The world of flight soared to new heights because of Amelia Earhart and Charles Lindbergh, and the lights of Broadway never shined brighter. Amidst this colorful time was the year 1928 that was filled with great anticipation for Don and Lottie Lucile (Smyser) Bowman as they were eagerly awaiting the birth of their new baby as winter was finally loosening its grip on Noble County, Indiana. The big day finally arrived on March 17th when the baby boy they named Pat Leon drew his first breath.

In many ways Pat was a young boy of his generation. He was raised in the family home on Smalley Lake in Washington Township located within Noble County alongside his his sister, Una Dell, and his brother, Keith. As a student Pat attended Wolf Lake and went on to Columbia City High School where he played baseball. He was quite talented, too, as he was drafted by the St. Louis Browns, but he was forced to resign after he developed a torn tendon in his elbow, also known as Tommy John Arm.

New and exciting changes were in store for Pat when he met the young woman with whom he would write a love story that would span 66 years. Her name was Dean Braddock, and it wasnt long after meeting that they found themselves deeply in love. With a desire to spend the rest of their lives together, Pat and Dean were united in marriage on October 25, 1948, by Reverend Link in Columbia City.

Throughout his life Pat was willing to work hard. He spent his earliest days in the workforce at Krogers. After being married for about two and a half years, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps during the days of the Korean Conflict. While in the service Pat was privileged to be able to march in President Eisenhowers Inaugural Parade. The bulk of his career was spent at Phelps Dodge. While out of work during one of the strikes at Phelps Dodge, Pat and Dean bought the Corner Caf in South Whitley and turned it into Pat and Deans Restaurant. In 1978 they sold the restaurant, and that same year they bought Crossroads Lounge in Ligonier, which they operated until 1982. From 1982 until 1984 Pat owned the Lamplight in Pierceton. He and his wife drove cars all over the United States over a six year period for Kelley Chevrolet. He officially retired from Phelps Dodge after 35 years of dedicated service in 1991.

While he was busy working hard, Pat and Dean grew their family through adoption. Fully committed to becoming a family, they ate soup and beans for countless meals in order to save up enough money to be able to go through the costly adoption process. Both Pat and his wife were thrilled to welcome their daughter, Penny, and their son, Dan, into their hearts and home. There was nothing that Pat loved more than being a father.

Always one to be active, Pat was busy doing something all the time. He was a 50 year member of the Columbia City American Legion Post #98 and a member of the Columbia City United Methodist Church. Additionally, Pat served as both a coach and the president of Columbia Townships Little League for a time, and he also coached t-ball through the Babe Ruth Program. At one time he was a coach to both Penny and Dan. Both Pat and his wife loved traveling as well as taking cruises. Over the years they made it to all 50 states and also to the Bahamas, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, South America, and 12 countries in Europe. When grandchildren arrived, Pat loved taking them to Cedar Point and to the Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament in Chicago. In celebration of their 65th wedding anniversary, their daughter sent them to see the St. Louis Cardinals final play-off game. Both Pat and his wife had a great time, and everyone in their section knew they were there to celebrate this memorable occasion. When leaving they were not able to find a traditional cab, so another couple paid for them to be taken on the bicycle cab back to their hotel. It was a day to remember for sure! In addition to being a Cardinals fan, Pat also loved the Green Bay Packers, the Boston Celtics, and the Red Socks.

With unending love for his family, Pat Bowman lived every day to the fullest while holding his loved ones near. He was supportive of their children in everything they did, and he also helped his wife with her in-home daycare for 19 years. Pat leaves behind a priceless collection of memories that his family and friends will forever cherish.

Pat Leon Bowman, of Columbia City, IN, died at at 5:30 a.m. Wednesday, February 4, 2015. Survivors include his wife, Dean Bowman, Columbia City; daughter, Penny (Michael R.) Wright, Columbia City; grandchildren, Cassandra Marie Bowman of Chicago, IL; Kory (George) Williams of Tucson, AZ; Tiffany Randolph of Anderson; and Clayton (Carrie) Wright of Gas City; great-grandchildren; and daughter-in-law, Kristin DeVittorio of Fort Wayne. Pat was preceded in death by his parents; son, Dan Bowman; sister, Una Dell Smith; brother, Keith Bowman; two infant brothers; and an infant great-grandson, Austin Michael Wright-Purdy. Visitation will be held on Saturday, February 7, 2015, from 3-7 p.m. at DeMoney-Grimes, a Life Story Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City. Funeral service will be held on Sunday, February 8, 2015, at 1 p.m. at the funeral home. Sharon Brockhaus, Certified Funeral Celebrant will be officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery. Memorial bequests may be given in Mr. Bowmans memory to the Wounded Warrior Project. Visit www.demoneygrimes.com to send family condolences or sign the guest register book.