Doris Lucille (Martin) Bowman was born in Springfield, MO on February 11, 1934, to Oliver and Lola Martin. She passed from this life on November 14, 2022, at the age of 88.

She will be greatly missed by her four children, David (Jeannine) Bowman, Gary Bowman, Kathy (Ron) Petering, and Wes (Karen) Bowman, her six grandchildren, April (Bowman) Friedl, Sam Petering, Emily (Petering) Spradling, Jay Bowman, Marty Bowman, and Drew Bowman, and two great grandchildren Adaline Jo and Eleanor Lucille Spradling.

Doris is also survived by a nephew, Joe (Linda) Bergant, three nieces Margaret Brown, Linda Howell and her beloved niece, Susie Bergant.  Doris was preceded in death in 2003 by Joseph "J.W." Bowman, her husband of 50 years.  She was also preceded in death by her parents, three sisters, a brother and three nephews.

Doris graduated from Springfield's Senior High School.  She married J.W. on November 26, 1952, on the "eve" of his deployment in the U.S. Army (after completing harrowing travel through an ice storm to reach his training base in Oklahoma).  Doris and J.W. spent nearly their entire life being part of the Springfield, MO community.

Doris was a licensed Real Estate professional for over 50 years while working with multiple brokers.  In 1978, she was recognized as Realtor Associate of the Year by the Greater Springfield Board of Realtors.   She earned many other awards during her career. She served on state and local boards and committees throughout her career.  She volunteered her professional skills as a member of Disaster Damage Assessments committee for the Red Cross.

She was a member of King's Way Methodist church and was active with the King's Way Seniors, her Sunday School class, and kept busy crafting items for others.  She was also active in LaSertoma (president), an auxiliary to the Boys and Girls Club, as well as a member of SMMA through her art group, supporting the Springfield Art Museum.

Additionally, she put her artist talents to use by making Christmas Santas, centerpieces, table decorations, caps for babies, costumes for grandchildren, and creating whatever was needed to help others. She enjoyed music and plays frequently attended performing arts events with family and friends.  She loved to attend her grandsons' orchestra concerts and ball games.

She loved to host family get-togethers, whether for holidays, game nights or no particular reason. She was constantly in contact with lifelong friends.  All who met her were warmed by her kind heart.  She was constantly preparing food, taking it to many, including her family and friends.  In the picture above, she is delivering "Andy's" to her sick family during Covid and to her niece, Susie Bergant.

When Doris was questioned about what was most important to her, she replied, "my family."  She lived a rich and full life of service and love for others.

Visitation will be Monday, November 21, 2022, from noon to 1:30 PM at King's Way Methodist Church (chapel), 2401 S. Lone Pine Avenue. A graveside service follows at 2:00 PM at Missouri Veterans Cemetery. Online condolences may be made at www.gormanscharpf.com.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to one's favorite charity in memory of Doris L. Bowman.