Fred Bowman Jr.

Fred Everett Bowman Jr. was born on June 11, 1937 to Mary and Fred Everett Bowman Sr. He was the oldest of 3 sons who were all born 10 years apart. Fred’s family lived on a farm raising Black Angus cattle and various crops including grapes, hay and corn. Farm life taught him the value of hard work, responsibility and attention to details, lessons that remained with him throughout his life.

Fred attended Mattawan School, proving to be a gifted athlete lettering in football, baseball, basketball, track and tennis. He has held the record for most varsity letters (16) earned by any athlete at Mattawan. As star quarterback, he called his own plays and was among the first basketball players to develop and master the jump shot. He also found time for theater appearing in several productions, even starring as Julius Caesar. He was active in Future Farmers of America (“FFA”) which gave him the opportunity to travel with the group across the country. He graduated as salutatorian of his class.

It was in eighth grade that he started dating the love of his life, Ann. As Fred played his sports, Ann was cheerleading on the sidelines. They also participated in theater together. After graduating from high school, Fred attended Kalamazoo College. Ann graduated a year later and they married. Jeff was born, the first of six children. Fred transferred to Western Michigan University where they lived in married housing. Fred graduated with a Business Administration degree.

After working several jobs to support his growing family, he began his career as Business Manager of Mattawan Consolidated Schools. It was at this time they purchased a 100 year old fixer-upper. The farmhouse was an ideal place to raise six kids with plenty of room to run and play. To subsidize their income, crops were raised and sold. They also raised cattle, horses, rabbits, dogs and cats.

At Mattawan Schools, he wore many hats. He announced his sons’ football games, served on the school board and as Athletic Director, and oversaw the growth of the school system from Class C to A. After he retired, he drove a school bus and enjoyed retelling stories from the bus rides including the question of why Fred had an earring. In 2017, he was inducted into the inaugural Mattawan Hall of Honor.

Fred generously gave his time and talents to his church. He acted as Eucharistic Minister, a lector and volunteered to oversee finances at St John Bosco Church.

Around 1982 they sold the farm and travelled to Hawaii to celebrate this new chapter of their lives. Their children were having children and the lake house then became the center of the extended family. Summers were spent roasting hotdogs and s’mores over the campfire, competing in fishing derbies, and swimming, tubing and skiing. “Hit it Papa” could be heard from across the lake on many summer days. A large annual birthday party for all the grandchildren was celebrated each year.

One of his many hobbies was collecting antiques. There was always more room in the house for another antique bell. He was an avid reader. He loved fiction, nonfiction and biographies with “Lonesome Dove” being a favorite. He could spend hours sitting in the sun with a good book and looked forward to tackling a crossword puzzle every day. He loved Willie Nelson and occasionally entertained others with his Willie impersonations. Fred had a way with words, especially when he was angry or when writing toasts for family celebrations, his yearly Christmas letter and even his answering machine conveyed his signature wit.

Fred continued to be an active athlete throughout his adult life. He participated in the local tennis and golf leagues. He was a line judge at the Boys’ Junior Nationals Tennis tournaments for many years. He also enjoyed cheering on his grandchildren during their sporting events and theater productions. When he wasn’t at a live event, he was then watching it on television, sharing predictions and opinions with Jeff and Greg.

Shared holiday traditions became even more important as families expanded across the country. Gatherings at Thanksgiving and Christmas were yearly highlights, as was Papa reading “Twas the Night Before Christmas” to his grandchildren and great grandchildren every Christmas Eve. Even if they were not always present, Zoom was able to assist.

Fred and Ann had a large group of close friends. These were friends they had met through high school, church, golf, tennis and wintering in Florida. Many a day were spent with their tightknit high school group partying on the lake, camping, and visiting the Caribbean and Grand Haven. It was understood that what happened at the Cove, stayed at the Cove. Harbor Springs was also a favorite destination enjoyed with other close friends.

Ann was the love of his life. They enjoyed 69 years of marriage, children and their spouses, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Fred was proud of the fact that he did not miss a day of visiting Ann once she moved to her memory care facility.

Fred Everett Bowman Jr died on August 21, 2026 at the age of 89. He was preceded in death by his daughters, Kelly Moustakeas, Michelle Bowman and his brother Richard Bowman.

Surviving are his wife AnnaBelle Bowman; his children Jeff Bowman, Tracy (James) Potter, Greg (Becky) Bowman, and Tammy (Craig) Walczyk; his grandchildren Brianna Potter, Kari (Josh) Goldberg, Tory (Tyler) Evans, Taylor Bowman, Max Walczyk, Jake (Katie) Walczyk, Katy Moustakeas, and Strati Moustakeas; his great-grandchildren Walter, Otis, and Stanley; his brother John (Renee) Bowman; and Kelly’s husband Dimitri Moustakeas.

Please join us for a visitation on Friday, August 28 beginning at 10:00 a.m. at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church, 1150 W Centre Ave, Portage, MI followed by a mass at 11:00. Afterwards join us for a luncheon at Marion Hall at the church. A private burial will be held at Mt Ever Rest Memorial Park South.

Celebrate Fred’s life online by sharing your favorite stories and photos on his dedicated webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Catherine of Sienna Catholic Church.