John Milton Bowling, Sr.

John M. Bowling Sr., 85, of Providence, KY,  formerly of Drakesboro, KY, passed away peacefully at 11 PM on Friday, June 19, 2026, at Lucy Smith King Care Center in Henderson, KY, with his wife and daughter by his bedside.

John was born on March 19, 1941, in Drakesboro, KY, to RT Bowling and Frances Johnson, who preceded him in death.

At an early age, he became involved in church and was a faithful member of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church. He attended Muhlenburgh High School where he was involved in sports. He played basketball and baseball as a shortstop and pitcher. After high school, John served his country in the United States Army from 1958 to 1961. He spent much of his career working in the Steel Mills before retiring in 1998.

John married the love of his life, Shawana Bowling, on March 17, 1998. They shared 28 years of marriage and built a wonderful family. He will be fondly remembered for his generous spirit, his love for helping others, cheering on his favorite horses at the racetrack, and playing cards until daylight.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Scottie Bowling; his sisters, Clara Bowling and Drucilla Eaves; his brother, Harold Lismon; his grandson, Jayveon Bowling; and his dog, Spot.

John is survived by his spouse, Shawana Bowling; his children, LaTonia Dean (Richmond, VA), John M. Bowling Jr (Chicago, IL), Troy Bowling (Chicago, IL), Torrenzo Green (Las Vegas, NV), Coralette Bowling (Chicago Heights, IL), Zolottie Bowling (Chicago, IL), Johnathan Bowling (Providence, KY), his heart Zjonesia "Duke" Bowling (Providence, KY), and Donavin Drake (Providence, KY); a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, siblings, and friends like family.

I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.

2 Timothy 4:7 (KJV)