Obituary: Vern Bowman

Vernon “Vern” Lee Bowman was born March 30, 1941, in Sterling, Colo., to Esther and Joe Bowman. He passed away peacefully in his sleep next to his wife of almost 48 years on April 4, 2012. Vern spent most of his childhood in Brush, Colo., with his parents and one brother, Gary Bowman. Vern married his one true love, Viney Bowman, on June 7, 1964, in Brush, Colo.; from this union two children were born Scott (Buk) Bowman and Becky Ridings. Vern and Viney spent their first five years of marriage in Brush where Vern worked at the co-op and Viney stayed home with their children. Vern was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather. Vern took much pride in watching his grandchildren grow and thrive. He was very proud of their accomplishments and the young adults they were becoming.
Vern and Viney moved their family to Meeker in 1969 where Vern managed the co-op for several years. Vern later took a job at Colowyo Coal Company and spent the remainder of his working years there.
Vern was preceded in death by his parents Esther and Joe Bowman and his brother Gary Bowman.
Vern is survived by his wife Viney of 48 years, his children Scott (Julie) Bowman and Becky (Bud) Ridings, five grandchildren: Kaylee of Denver, Megan and her fiancé Kacey of Laramie, Wyo., Aly of Meeker, Ty and Holly both of Limon, Colo., his best friend Shadow Bowman the dog (his cherished companion), uncle Jimmy Bowman of Phoenix, Ariz., sister-in-law Eva Bowman of Mesquite, Nev., mother-in-law Elma Elder of Denver, brother- in-law Jim (Marylou) Elder of Fort Collins, brother-in-law Taylor (Rose) Elder of Denver, sister-in-law Vickie Johanssen of Denver, many nieces and nephews, Gerald (Twila) Morris, Gary (Relda) Coulter, Wiley (Susan) Berthelson, Joe Brown of Meeker and many other dear friends.
Vern loved his wife, children, grandchildren and dog Shadow very much. Vern enjoyed yard work and took incredible pride in having a beautiful yard. The neighbors often watched in dismay as Vern mowed the grass for the third time in a week.
In lieu of flowers please send memorial contributions to Mountain Valley Bank — Vernon Bowman Memorial Fund. The fund will be donated to the Pioneers Medical Center “Grow Your Own” scholarship fund.