Bill was raised in Poland and spent his adult life in Boardman Township.

He was a wonderful, loving, sacrificial man, father, husband, son, grandpa, brother-in-law, uncle and friend who always shared a smile and loving kindness with everyone, all of the time, no matter the circumstances. No matter what evil the world dished out, Bill overcame it with a happy heart, always putting others first.

Bill was never short of encouragement, a one liner and loving advice, and was never too busy to help anyone out.

He loved God’s creations and observing their grandeur from the bluebells in the Poland Park to the squirrels that ate out of his hand; he delighted in this world.

Bill loved all the kids that came into his life and they loved him back, as they knew he cared about each one of them by the way he took time to listen and to love them. Kids always left him feeling better about themselves and usually smiling.

Bill leaves behind his two adoring children, Kenn Bowes and his wife, Cathy, and Melanie Bowes Leneghan and her husband, Pat; his three granddaughters, Tara (19) and Grace (16) Leneghan, and Kenn’s stepdaughter, Jackie Hayner; and his great-grandson, Jordan Hayner, all who loved every second they got to spend with him; Francine Bowes, his wife of 24 years; his brother-in-law, Rob Pennell; sister-in-law, Linda Pennell; his niece, Jenny Lynn Pennell; and his nephew, Randy Pennell, all of whom praise God for blessing them with the absolute joy and privilege of being truly loved by such a wonderful and sacrificial man and for the privilege and honor of loving him back with all of their hearts.

He also leaves behind three stepchildren and 11 step-grandchildren, all of whom he loved and whose lives he greatly enriched.

Bill Bowes loved the Browns, the Indians, the Cavs, ice cream, the newspaper, his tomato plants, laughing and making others laugh, and so much more. But most of all, Dad loved Jesus, his family and pretty much everyone he knew. After decades of working for The Vindicator and several years in the Navy Reserves, Bill so enjoyed his winters at Indian Creek Park in Fort Myers Beach, Fla. and spending time with his children and family.

Bill Bowes made the world a better place by loving one another the way Jesus loved him. He was a wonderful and truly good man. He wouldn’t hurt a fly if he could help it. There is no doubt that Bill Bowes was greeted by the words, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.”

Bill and his love and smile and joy will be painfully missed by many. His message to all would be to love Jesus with all of your heart and that He came that you could have life and life more abundant.

Kenn and Cathy Bowes, Melanie (Bowes), Pat, Tara and Grace Leneghan, and Francine Bowes will be hosting a memorial service to honor their sweet dad, husband and grandpa on Sunday, Aug. 16, 2020, his 85th birthday, at the Ex-Servicemen’s Pavilion in Boardman Park from noon to 3 p.m. and ask that you please join them to honor a great man, William Edward Bowes.

“‘Through many dangers, toils, and snares, Bill has already come. T’was grace that kept him safe for 84 years and grace has led him home.’ We love you, Dad.”

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William E. Bowes 1935-2020

YOUNGSTOWN — William Edward Bowes, 84, of Youngstown, passed away Thursday, July 30, 2020, at St. Joseph Warren Hospital.

Bill was born Aug. 16, 1935, in Youngstown, a son of Carl and Margaret Beatty Bowes and had been a lifelong area resident.

He served in the Navy Reserves from 1955 to 1964 and had retired from the Youngstown Vindicator in 1997, after 27 years.

Bill is survived by his wife of 32 years, Sonia L. Bowes; his son, Kenneth (Cathy) Bowes; his daughter, Melanie (Patrick) Lenegham; a stepson, Walter (Tracy) Bish; two stepdaughters, Pamela (Gary) Lattimer and Nadine (Robert) Hayes; as well as 10 grandchildren.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by a stepdaughter, Martince L. Craig.

He worshiped at Trinity Fellowship for 20 years.

Memorial services celebrating Bill’s life will be held at a later date.

Arrangements are by the Davidson-Becker Funeral Home in Struthers.

Condolences may be sent to www.beckerobits.com.

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