Willis Bowman, age 82, of Valparaiso, IN and formerly of Abbs Valley, VA, passed away on Wednesday, January 4, 2023.

Willis was born on May 7, 1940 in Boissevian, VA to the late Clarence and Sallie Bowman.  He married the love of his life, Carol Sue Perry, on July 15, 1961.  Willis was a Hot Bed Operator at US Steel until his retirement in the late 1980s.  After retiring, he took on jobs that he liked to do including landscaping and working at the marina.  Willis was a proud Air Force Veteran and was a member of the American Legion, Post #502.  Willis and Sue also attended Real Life Church.  He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting deer and fishing.

Willis will be remembered for his phenomenal sense of humor, his joy of life, and his passion for his family.  He was the most caring, kind, and compassionate person.  His family was his everything.  Willis never met a stranger.  He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Willis is survived by his wife of 61 years, Sue; children: Christopher (Diane) Bowman and Carol (late Pete) Scheeringa; grandchildren: Bryan (Rhiannon) Bowman, Stephanie (Noah) Frizzell, and David (fiancée Tina Schrenk) Scheeringa; great-grandchildren: Grayson, Elliana, and Clay Frizzell and Mackenzie Sue Bowman; sister-in-law: Shirley Bowman; numerous dear nieces and nephews; and beloved dog: Zoey.

Willis is preceded in death by his parents: Clarence and Sallie; siblings: William Russell "Bus" Bowman, Morris Winford "Bud" Bowman, Glory Little, June Earlene Gouge, and Margaret Mico; son-in-law: Pete Scheeringa; and his beloved cat and companion: Simon.

Per Willis' wishes, there are no funeral services arranged.  Cremation and arrangements are entrusted to Rees Funeral Home, Olson Chapel.