Lance Ward Bowman

Lance Ward Bowman, 94, of Bluefield, WV joined his Lord and Savior on Monday, November 28, 2022. Lance was born July 30, 1928, in Rock, WV to the late Howard Watson and Ottie Murrell Bowman. He was a lifelong resident of the Sandlick area having lived in four self-built homes. Lance attended and was a member of Sandlick United Methodist Church for over 65 years where he served as Sunday school teacher, song leader, and superintendent to name a few helpful positions. He graduated from Bramwell High School and then proceeded to get his bachelor’s degree from Concord College in Biological Sciences. Being a knowledge seeker, Lance continued to study at Marshall University where he earned his master’s degree in physical sciences. Lance spent his early working days delivering church furniture to most states east of the Mississippi River. He thoroughly enjoyed traveling and had visited all but five US states. He proudly served in the US Army and became a combat veteran of the Korean War. In later years, you rarely saw him without his Korean Veteran hat. He was rightfully proud. Upon his return, he became an educator for both McDowell and Mercer County Schools where he assisted in the attainment of skills for hundreds of students for over 30 years. While teaching, Lance also worked at his favorite hobby of "making sawdust." He loved to turn bare wood into any number of admirable items one could imagine -- a paper towel holder, a desk, cabinets, a cutting board, a unique cane, a guitar or bass, a walking stick, a deck, a table, steps, a house, etc... If you own a treasure made by Lance Bowman, you have a piece of his heart because it was made with love. Many items he passed out like candy because it brought him such joy. Lance also loved music. He loved to sing. He loved to play the bass. He loved to play the harmonica. He loved to listen to music. He loved to tap his toes and clap his hands. Music soothed his soul. Even though Lance was always busy at something, he still had time for his family and friends. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He was also a friend to all - always ready with a kind word or action. His presence is irreplaceable and only wonderful memories remain for those fortunate enough to have met and known him. His beautiful wife, Anna Lee Bowman, of 67 years left for Heaven in 2017. Both parents preceded Lance in death as did his first-born child, Lee Anna, who survived only three days. Also, preceding him in death were siblings Elizabeth (Sis) Woody, Howard (Tom) Bowman, William (Pee Wee) Bowman, Edward Randolph Bowman, Garland (Bo) Bowman, and Norma O'Donnell. Additionally, Lance was preceded in death by Howard Russell Morris, a kind and thoughtful son-in-law. Those left to cherish his memory are his beloved daughter, Jeanne Bowman Morris, of Princeton, WV and son Barry Lee Bowman and wife Donna of Bluefield, WV. Furthermore, surviving Lance are four adored grandchildren: Kayla Marie Morris, Sean Russell Morris, Bariana Lyn Bowman, and Barry Dalton Bowman. Lance has two surviving sisters -- Barbara Fogus and Mary Lee Shrader -- both of Princeton, WV. A host of nieces and nephews will also hold his memory dear. Funeral Service will be conducted 2:00 PM Monday, December 5, 2022, at Cravens-Shires Funeral Home with Rev. Melody Rickman officiating. Interment will follow at Roselawn Memory Gardens where friends and family will serve as pallbearers and the Mercer County Veterans Honor Guard will conduct military graveside rites. The family will receive friends from 1:00 PM until the time of service. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.cravens-shires.com. Cravens-Shires Funeral Home is serving the Bowman Family.