Philip Earl Bowman

Philip Earl Bowman, 77, died February 16, 2026, at his home of almost 50 years in Salina, Kansas. He was born December 17, 1948, in Great Bend, the son of George Henry and Isabel (Peters) Bowman.

Philip received his Bachelor of Science in Physics from Kansas Wesleyan University in 1971 and Master of Business Administration from KSU Salina in 1992. He worked in purchasing and sales, retiring from School Specialty in 2016. He was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church and Civitan International, earning Salina Civitan of the Year in 2006. His volunteering included service on the Salina Public Library Board, as a KWU Foundation Trustee, and with Volunteer Income Tax Assistance.

Philip’s interests included science fiction, space, gardening, amateur radio, music, U.S. history, and reading about all of them and more.

Survivors include his only sister, Jane Ellen Johnson of Bella Vista, Arkansas; brother, Joseph M. Bowman of Pawnee Rock; former wife and close friend, Linda (Young) Bowman; son, Aaron Bowman and wife Deborah of Olathe; grandchildren, Ryan and fiancée Ashlyn of Lenexa; Emma and Sara of Olathe; Natalie, Andrew, and Jack of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He is also survived by precious and enduring memories of son, John Bowman of Baton Rouge.

Philip cherished connections with many cousins, nieces, nephews, classmates, and friends.

Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Sunday, February 22, 2026 in the Trinity United Methodist Church Family Life Center, 901 E. Neal, Salina, Kansas.  Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, February 23rd at Trinity United Methodist Church with a luncheon following.  Graveside services will be held at a later date in Pawnee Rock, Kansas.

Memorials are suggested to Trinity United Methodist Church or the Tammy Walker Cancer Center, Salina, Kansas.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the caring nurses and staff of Gentiva Hospice, the wonderful facilities and caregivers at Tammy Walker, and pastors Eric and Chelsea for their reassuring words.

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