Merrit Bowman

Merrit Bowman of Mechanics Hollow Road, Clearville PA passed away on Wednesday, April 1, 2026 two days before his 86th birthday surrounded by his loving family at UPMC Altoona hospital.  He was the oldest son of the late Kenneth and Verna (Sollenberger) Bowman.

On August 9, 1963, in Mench PA, he was united in marriage to Martha Alice O’Neal and together they were loving parents of four children; Ella Cessna married to Todd, Ruth Exline married to James, Heidi Press married to Craig, and R. Allen Bowman married to Melody (Diehl).  The family lost their beloved mother Alice on June 21, 2000.  While Alice was alive the two were always on adventures together and the oldest grandchildren have wonderful memories of grandma and grandaddy babysitting, complete with car trips that included ice cream and bluegrass music.  Merrit will be missed by his grandchildren Alicia Cessna, Casey Grimes, Jeffery Morris, Amanda Press-O'Brien, Karlena Miller, Jarod Sigel, Samantha Mapes, Logan Bowman, and Taylor Bowman as well as 9 great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild.  One grandchild, infant Cadin Trail, proceeded him in death on September 11, 1992, and Brother Percy Bowman of Everett, married to Annette Stone, proceeded him in death on August 7, 2025.

On October 15, 2005, he was united in marriage to Thelma Grove in Everett PA and they spent 17 happy years together until her death on Feb 16, 2022.

Along with his children and grandchildren, he is survived by sister Anna Marie Layton of Everett, married to Gary. 

Merrit was born in the house he currently resided in and spent his life on the farm with John Deere tractors and Border Collie dogs.  He was a proud member of the Operating Engineers Local 37 Union where he loved operating heavy equipment until his retirement.  He was a man of great faith and member of the Intercontinental Church of God.  All that knew Merrit will always remember his ability to articulate facts in a funny way while being completely serious.

Family and friends are invited to gather for visitation and services at  Akers Funeral Home, 299 Raystown Road, Everett PA on Monday, April 6th from 5 to 8 P.M. and on Tuesday April 7th at 10:00 A.M. until the hour of service.

Funeral service will be held on Tuesday, April 7,  2026, at 11 A.M. in the Chapel at Akers Funeral Home with Minister Chris Anderson officiating.

Burial to follow at Cherry Lane Church, Clearville, PA.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Intercontinental Church of God, 17444 Hwy 155 South, Flint TX 75762 or UPMC Hospice, 20 Sheraton Dr. Altoona PA 16601.

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