Francis Bowles

Francis M. Bowles, 84, of Norris City, passed away Friday, April 11, 2014 at 11:20 a.m. at Wabash Christian Retirement Center in Carmi. He was born March 27, 1930 in Hawthorne Township, Illinois, the youngest of 13 children of Henry and Floy (Baldwin) Bowles. Francis married Tomoko Sakamoto on December 5, 1956 and she preceded him in death on March 2, 2007. He served in the Army for 21 years; was a WW II and Korean War veteran and worked as an electrician. Francis was a member of Plainview General Baptist Church of Norris City and the American Legion in New Haven.

He is survived by a daughter and son-in-law, Janet and Mike Mileham of Norris City; two sons and a daughter-in-law, Bob Bowles of Patterson, LA and Charlie and Shannan Bowles of New Haven; eleven grandchilden; 22 great-grandchilden; and a sister-in-law, Pearl Bowles of Chester. Francis was preceded in death by his parents; wife; a sister, Lucille Orr, and five brothers, Jim, Ray, Ernie Sr., Warren and Dewitt Bowles.

Funeral services for Francis M. Bowles, 84, of Norris City, will be Tuesday, April 15, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. at Plainview General Baptist Church near Norris City. Friends may call on Monday from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m. at the church. A private burial will be held at a later date. Campbell Funeral Home in Norris City is in charge of arrangements.