John Bernard Bowman, who referred to himself as “the Man with the Plan” and known by many as “Bum Bum” passed away on Saturday May 9, 2020 after reaching the age of 93 years old. After months of failing health and heroically battling cancer, he died peacefully at the St. Mary’s Hospice House with his loving family by his side.
John was born on July 15, 1926 in Leonardtown Maryland to the late George Oliver Bowman and Lynette Mason. He had four sisters and three brothers. He grew up and attended school in St. Mary’s County.
John worked at Patuxent River Naval Base, Park Sight and Sound, and the Hollywood House. He then worked for Davis Antenna for over 30 years. After retirement, John started cutting grass for friends and family. He enjoyed it very much.
In 1949, he met the love of his life, Mary Magdalene Stevens, who everyone affectionately called Maggie. John and Maggie lived together almost inseparable for 66 years. From this union they had one daughter, Kimberly Dawn Bowman (Fenwick)
John and Maggie had deep faith and love for their creator Jehovah God. On May 1, 1971 they symbolized this by dedicating their lives to Jehovah God becoming one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. John had strong confidence in the Bible’s promises for the future and told others about these prospects. John and Maggie tirelessly spent over four decades preaching to any and every one they met in their bible teaching work. They would start as early as six o’clock in the morning and encouraged as many as possible to join them. John served a strong pillar and shepherd to the Lexington Park Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses, now known as the Callaway Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses. He always had a meaningful bible passage to share with anyone who needed love and spiritual support. He loved to share his favorite bible passage at Isaiah 41:10 “Do not be afraid, for I am with you. Do not be anxious, for I am your God….” John had a unique ability to reach people in a deep and positive way.
John loved music and played the harmonica and banjo. He was an avid card player. John loved the outdoors, and always loved to whistle while he worked. He enjoyed fishing, crabbing, and gardening. John loved to eat crabs and drink his “one eyed man”, a cold bottle of beer. John loved to spend time with family and friends and adored talking to his grandson’s (Jordan and Justin) and son-in-law (Garry) about cars and experiences from the good ol’ days.
To know John was to love him! We will never forget his infectious smile, his wealth of wisdom, and his witty sense of humor. Anyone who knew John well knew about the infamous “Bowman Special” not to mention his proverbial sayings: “Drink water and walk slow” and “When you wear blue you know what to do!”
John is preceded in death by his wife, Mary Magdalene Bowman, his parents, his siblings: Lucy Theresa Garner, Mary Ella Curtis, Thelma Price, Bernice Brooks, George Oliver Bowman Jr., Preston Bowman, and Frank Bowman.
Left to cherish his memory is his daughter, Kimberly Fenwick, son-in-law Garry Fenwick, three grandchildren: Kandace, Jordan, and Justin Fenwick and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and beloved friends. John was viewed as a father and grandfather figure to many, many people. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.
Family and friends are invited to sign the online guest book.
Kim and family I want you to know that brother Bowman was a hard worker for his God Jehovah. I remember him and sister Bowman getting up early for street witnessing that is remarkable. He will never be forgotten for the faith that he had in his God. I will never forget his saying when you feel sick is to use the Bowman’s special,or he will say drink water and walk slow
.you have my deepest sympathy and the resurrection is right around the corner
We loved our dear Brother Bowman so, He was really a man close to Jehovah’s heart and ours. Even though he was a man of great wisdom, he always relied on God’s word, the Bible. Very skillfully, he would use it to reach your very heart. How we long for the day to see him and our dear Sister Bowman in paradise where they will be well and can live forever. (Rev. 21:3&4) Brother Bowman will always be loved and missed until then. May our God Jehovah continue to comfort his loving family who took such great care of him. You will certainly be remembered in my prayers. Love to you all.