Clarence Eugene Bowling

Clarence E. Bowling, 80, of West Palm Beach, Florida, passed away at home on September 11, 2023 from complications of Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP), surrounded by his family. Clarence was born to Carl and Lela (Murphy) Bowling on April 12, 1943, on the family farm in Wellston, Ohio. He was a talented communicator, mechanic, and flight engineer, who loved fixing tractors, cars, and airplanes. After graduating from Wellston High School, a month after turning 17 years old, Clarence enlisted in the United States Air Force. He served almost 5 years in the USAF and was stationed in Ohio, New Jersey, and California. During this time, Clarence was called up to active duty and training for the Cuban Missile Crisis, but he ultimately did not receive orders to deploy. After his honorable discharge from the Air Force, Clarence attended Northrop Institute of Technology and received his A&P License. He then obtained a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree from Pepperdine University in Malibu, California. Over his lengthy aviation career, Clarence worked for Continental Airlines at LAX, Lockheed, and Aero Corp. He was involved in the maintenance of various aircraft, including C-47, KC-97, L100, L188, L-1011, B-707, B-727, B- 747, DC-9, DC-10, and KC-10 aircraft. He also conducted planning, maintenance management, quality assurance, training, customer service, and marketing in his over forty-year career. Clarence retired at the age of 66 as the Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Moss Vale, which was based out of Sharonville, Ohio. He will be remembered for his love and devotion to his Lord Jesus Christ, his family, his country, "trips to Jackson" and fondly calling the people closest to him "Turkey Buzzard". Clarence leaves behind a wonderful family legacy. He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Janet (Robbins); two daughters Cheryl (Ed) Egl of The Woodlands, Texas and Lisa (Joby) Slay of Royal Palm Beach, Florida; and his five grandchildren: Alex Egl, Anna Egl, Joseph Slay, Savannah Slay, and Benjamin Slay. In addition, Clarence is also survived by his two brothers Paul (Robyn) Bowling and Dwight (Kathy) Bowling. He leaves behind several cousins, nieces, nephews, and good friends. Clarence was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Lela. In honor of his wishes, visitation will be held at Palms West Funeral Home in Royal Palm Beach, Florida on September 28, 2023 from 10 AM until 12 PM, with a service beginning at 12 PM. This time will be followed by an escorted processional to a brief graveside military service at 2 PM at the South Florida National Cemetery in Lake Worth, Florida. The family would like to say a special thank you to the physicians, nurses, social workers, and staff at the VA Hospital in West Palm Beach, FL and to Eliza Speakman of the Bay Pines VA. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Cure PSP Foundation, 325 Hudson Street, Fourth Floor, New York, New York, 10013, a nonprofit organization that was very important to Clarence.