Richard Bowles

Of Flint, age 95, died Thursday, November 1, 2012, at Western Hills Living. Mass of Christian Burial will take place 11:00 am, Monday, November 5, 2012, at St. John Vianney Catholic Church in Flint. Rev. Fr. Thomas Firestone will officiate with burial to follow in New Calvary Catholic Cemetery, with Military Honors conducted by American Legion Post # 158. Family will receive friends at Martin Funeral, Cremation & Tribute Services on Sunday, from 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Sunday afternoon, parish, family and friends will gather at 4:00 pm for a Knights of Columbus 3rd Degree prayer service, followed by a Life Remembrance Celebration. On Monday, Richard will be taken to church to lie in state from 10:00 am until time of Mass at 11:00 am. Memorial contributions may be directed to St. John Vianney Catholic Church. Envelopes are available at the funeral home and church. Richard was born October 8, 1917, in Flint, Michigan, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Richard and Mary (Bruce) Bowles Sr. He and Dorothy Burneo were united in marriage in 1937 at St. Michael Catholic Church in Flint. Richard owned and operated Bowles Windows and Siding with his brothers. He would later go on and work for the Genesee County Road Commission until his retirement in 1982. He was a long time active member of the American Legion Oakley Trainer Post # 64, as well as serving for many years as the Adjutant and Finance Officer of the American Legion Genesee County Council. He retired from that position at the age of 93. Richard was a member of St. John Vianney Catholic Church, where he was a St. Joseph Worker and a member of the Knights of Columbus # 695. Richard was also a member of the West Flint and Downtown Kiwanis Club and actively participated in inner club for the Kiwanis. Left to cherish his memory is four children, Michael and wife, Evelyn Bowles, Diane and husband, Bill Wall, Sheila Sakuta and Sandra Fick; 11 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great grandson; brother, Brian and wife, Eva Bowles; sister, Bette Dahlstrom; sister-in-law, Tootie Bowles; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Dorothy; sons-in-law, Thomas Fick and Wayne Sakuta; brothers, Tom and Bruce and sisters, Doris and Mollie. The family would like to thank Victoria Kelly and her wonderful staff at Western Hills Living as well as Genesys Hospice for the love and care they have shown Richard over the last few weeks of his life!