John Merlin BOWLER

   Research Notes:

"VEYO, UT - John "Jack" Merlin Bowler, passed away April 1, 2010 at his home on the Bigelow Ranch in Veyo, Utah. He was born on April 28, 1932 in St. George, Utah to Richard T. and Helen Chadburn Bowler. He grew up on the ranch where he learned to love the outdoors. Before Jack joined the National Guard at age 17 he enjoyed being a jockey. Later he joined the United States Air Force where he served until his retirement in 1972. While he was stationed in Albuquerque, New Mexico he met Shirley Lorraine Simon, the love of his life. They were married three weeks later in Albuquerque; making October 12, 2010 their 57th Wedding Anniversary. They have three daughters, Linda, Tina, and Lisa. Most of Jack's service was in Alaska, which he loved because of his love of the outdoors. He also served one tour of duty in Vietnam. After retiring from the Air Force, Jack returned to help his father run the Bigelow Ranch. In addition to working the ranch he drove school bus for the Washington County School District for 20 years. After retiring from driving bus he practically lived on his four-wheeler with his dog, Pug. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren also loved going for rides with Grandpa B in his baskets. A few of Jack's passions were deer and elk hunting, fishing, picking pine nuts, gathering wood, gardening, ranching, trapping, riding his four-wheeler, and visiting with family and friends. Jack was a man full of compassion and was loved by all who met him. He is survived by his wife, Shirley of Veyo; daughters Tina (Shirl) Fox of Circleville, UT and Lisa Garner of Sandy, UT; son-in-law, Lem Leavitt of Veyo; ten grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Linda Leavitt...." ¹

   Marriage Information:

John married Shirley Lorraine SIMON, daughter of Casper Theodore SIMON and Grace Genevieve EUSTICE, on 12 Oct 1953. (Shirley Lorraine SIMON was born on 1 Oct 1935 in Pine City, MN, USA and died on 18 Oct 2013 in Sandy, UT, USA.)