Edward Joseph Bowles

Edward 'Ed' Joseph Bowles, 80, of Jefferson City, formerly of Oak Park, Illinois, made a peaceful transition on Sunday, August 6, 2017, at Heisinger Bluffs in Jefferson City, Missouri. He was born on September 15, 1936, in New York City, New York, the son of Edgar and Pearl (Smalls) Bowles, who preceded him in death. He was united in marriage on November 26, 1966, in Brooklyn, New York, to Joyce (Stokes) Bowles, who survives. He was a 1955 graduate of Dwight School in New York, New York, Bronx Community College and Providence College in Providence, Rhode Island. He was employed with W.R. Grace and Company in Chicago for over 20 years until his retirement in 2000. Among his many accomplishments, Ed was a devoted and longtime tutor in Oak Park and enjoyed playing cello. He was a long standing member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. and proudly served our country in the United States Army and honorably discharged in 1960. One of Ed's most cherished hobbies was clock building, and his specialty was constructing wooden mantel clocks with chimes for special occasions. In his younger days, he was active and enjoyed racquetball, competing in 5K races, and playing competitive rounds of golf and chess. As everyone who knew him can attest, Ed had a gift for stimulating conversation, enjoyed visiting with people, and never knew a stranger. He was also an adventurist and enjoyed both international travel while in the military and domestic travel with his job in sales. An avid sports fan, he liked a good football and basketball game, but most importantly, loved his family. The time he spent with his wife of 50 years, children, and grandchildren and the memories they made will be cherished forever. He is survived by three daughters: Leslie (Janal) Bowles-Early of North Carolina, Traci (Heath) Hathaway of Colorado, and Finee Bowles of Missouri; five grandchildren: Tyson, Corey, Enzo, Lucinda, and Joi. He was preceded in death by two sisters: Nellie (Bowles) Braithwaite and Gwenne Bowles. While our loving husband and father is laid to rest, we hold him close within us. We ask that you do the same -- in your mind and spirit -- and remember his warm smile, his kind words, and his infectious laugh. Family will receive friends from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 12, 2017 at Houser-Millard Funeral Chapel. Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 12, 2017, with Rev. Jim Mueller officiating. Internment will be held at a later time. Arrangements are under the direction of HOUSER-MILLARD Funeral Directors, 2613 West Main Street, Jefferson City, Missouri 65109; (573) 636-3838. Condolences may be left online for the family at www.millardfamilychapels.com