Obituary – John S. Bowes
John S. Bowes, 105, lifelong resident of Clinton County, died Monday, December 11, 2023, at Celebration Villa in State College.
John was born in Lock Haven on October 30, 1918, along with brothers Jim and Joel, the first surviving triplets born in the county. The boys were raised on the family farm in Lockport Heights. Joel succumbed when the whole family got the Spanish Flu, but Jim remained John’s closest friend until Jim’s death in 2006.
John was a 1936 graduate of Lock Haven High School and 1940 graduate of the former Lock Haven State Teachers College. He went to work for Piper Aircraft, and was already a licensed pilot when he volunteered for the draft in 1943. He was commissioned a second lieutenant in the Army Air Forces, serving as a flight instructor in Columbus, Mississippi. John worked for Hammermill Paper from 1947 through 1981, retiring as purchasing manager of the Lock Haven plant.
He was a longtime member of the Clinton Country Club and walked a round of golf on every possible day into his mid-nineties. He was also a longtime member of Great Island Presbyterian Church. He loved flying, hiking, swimming, and any excuse to be outside. He was always cheerful and never spoke unkindly. He affirmed, “Aren’t we fortunate!” in any circumstance.
John is survived by two daughters, Elizabeth S. Taylor of Monrovia, California, and Jean B. Shepherd of Lock Haven, three grandsons, David and Andrew Taylor and Adam Shepherd, and two great-grandchildren, Leela and Lukah Taylor. He was preceded in death by his wife, Jean Erieg, brothers Bill, Jim, and Joel, and close cousin Henry Mellinger.
Services and burial will be private and at the convenience of the family, there will be no visitation. In lieu of flowers or donations, friends are encouraged to appreciate God’s blessings, the natural beauty of Pennsylvania, and the good sense and decency of the folks of Lock Haven. John often said, “There’s no better spot in the world than right here.”
Arrangements are under the direction of the Gedon Funeral Homes & Cremation Services LLC., 121 W. Main St. Lock Haven, PA. 17745
