Terry R. Bowlin Sr.

SALEM - Terry R. Bowlin Sr., age 69, of Salem, passed away suddenly on Wednesday morning, January 29, 2025, at Salem Regional Medical Center after a brief illness.

The son of the late Clarence and Hester (Partin) Bowlin, Terry was born on June 26, 1955, in Salem and grew up in Patmos, Ohio, the second youngest of 10 children. He is survived by his six sisters, Mary Lou Hite, Sue Syme, Barbara Hafner, Nancy Amey, Linda Fey, and Debbie Grim. Terry was predeceased by his brothers, William, Clarence Jr., and Randall, all of whom he cherished deeply. Terry also leaves behind many nieces and nephews and will be missed at family events, where he particularly loved to make them laugh.

Terry's journey through life was shared with his wife, Pamela (Marks) Bowlin, whom he married on December 19, 1975. Their 49-year partnership was a testament to enduring devotion as they raised four sons together. Their family includes sons, Bradley J. Bowlin of Salem, and Michael T. Bowlin and his wife Mallory McCorkhill, also of Salem. Terry’s oldest son, Terry R. Bowlin Jr., and youngest son, Alex A. Bowlin, preceded him in death. Terry's role as a father was one of his proudest accomplishments, and he instilled in his children his love of animals, interests in the outdoors, and dedication to family.

A graduate of West Branch High School, class of 1973, Terry pursued a decades-long career as a Teamster, retiring in 2017 from his position as a car hauler with Cassens Transport.

Terry valued practicality and the simple joys of caring for his home and land. He had a gift for working on small engines and was often found in his garage restoring a venerable collection of Bolens lawn mowers or maintaining his prized Massey Ferguson tractor. He was known for his wry sense of humor and ability to fill conversations with laughter, especially when he misremembered movie titles.

Terry enjoyed evenings spent playing board games and always appreciated when his loved ones would share new music with him. He is also remembered for his love of animals, especially his many pet cats and dogs over the years. His grand-dogs, Rommel and Chance, and grand-kitties, Charlie, Smokey, and Gus, will miss “grandpa.” 

Following Terry's wishes there are no calling hours or services planned at this time.

Arrangements are being handled by Stark Memorial Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

To view Terry's obituary, send condolences visit www.starkmemorial.com.

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