Obituary of Sam Maurice Bowman

The radiant light named Sam Maurice Bowman was born on August 16th, 1947, in Hot Springs, Arkansas. A four year resident of Murfreesboro, TN, he died of ALS at the VA Hospital in Nashville, TN on October 11th, 2016. He was predeceased by his parents, Maurice and Adeline, and a son, Brian, who was stillborn. He leaves behind his loving wife of twenty years, Shirley Mae; his sister Susan Marie (Jim) Stevens of Caldwell, ID; his son, Jason Patrick (Megan) Bowman, of Chandler, AZ; a stepdaughter Avaline Janine (Bruno) Widmer, of Morden, MB, Canada and two stepsons: Brian Jay Thrush of Brandon, MB, Canada and Jody Chadwick Thrush of Sylvan Lake, AB, Canada. Survivors also include 2 grandchildren: James Kenneth “Jake” and Katherine Ellen “Kate” Bowman; and 7 step-grandchildren: Alexander and Aubreyanna Widmer; Emma, Laura and Grace Thrush; and Reece and Isabella Thrush. Sam was a veteran of the US Navy. He served as a Machinist Mate aboard the USS Thomaston during the war in Vietnam. As a civilian, he became a Water Systems Operating Engineer, and worked for the EPA as an Environmental Scientist, overseeing and advising Native American tribes in 3 states on developing, operating and maintaining their water systems. In 2006 he earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Ottawa University, focusing on Business Management. He was a Freemason, an Ordained Minister, and a Licensed Unity Teacher. At various times he served on the Board of Directors of the International New Thought Alliance (INTA); Exploring the Bible Ministries (ETB); the Society for the Study of Metaphysical Religion (SSMR); Unity Inner Active and Unity of Murfreesboro. Sam had a wonderful sense of humor and he loved to make people laugh. He enjoyed playing Skip-Bo, a game developed by a woman named “Skip” Bowman, no relation. Sam was an avid reader and in spite of the fact that he gave many books away, he still managed to acquire an extensive library. Most of his books were about perennial philosophy, religion, metaphysics and spirituality. His greatest joy was in serving others, as a spiritual counselor, mentor, teacher and most importantly, as a friend. He was a devoted husband, a loving brother, father and grandfather, and a kind and generous friend to many. A Memorial service will take place on Saturday, October 29th at 11 AM at the Murfreesboro Funeral Home located at 145 Innsbrooke Boulevard in Murfreesboro, TN. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Unity Worldwide Ministries, PO Box 610, Lee’s Summit MO 64063