Melvin Maynard Bowden Sr.

Posted on October 14, 2020

Melvin Maynard Bowden Sr. died peacefully with his family on Thursday, Oct. 8, 2020, at Haven Hospice in Gainesville from a sudden illness.

He was 92 years old, born in Perry on July 30, 1928. He was the son of Leroy Bowden Sr., and Mattie Parker Bowden.

He was preceded in death by two children, Donald Wayne Bowden and Joan Carolyn Bowden Sims.

He is survived by: his beloved wife of 74 years, Edith Lee Bowden, and children, Melvin Maynard Bowden Jr. and Gary Christopher Bowden.

He was blessed with seven grandchildren, Jennifer Horner Davis, Cindy Hough, Jonathon Bowden, Bryan Bowden, Josh Bowden, Brittney Bowden, Taylor Bowden; six great-grandchildren, Tyler Horner, Haley Horner, Kinsey Hough, Olivia Bowden, Dory Bowden and Shyla Bowden; and one great-great-grandchild, Kipp Horner.

Melvin served in the Navy during World War II and owned his own business, Melvin’s Dragline and Truck Service for 42 years, serving Perry and surrounding Taylor County.

He was a faithful founding member at New Home Baptist Church, serving as deacon, Sunday School teacher, and he was instrumental in building the Family Life Center.

One of his greatest joys was the 30 times he traveled to Honduras on mission trips to build churches and help the communities spread the word of God.

He loved children, fishing and working in his yard. And you could not tear him away from watching his beloved western movies and TV series. But his favorite pastime was talking about the Bible and sharing his faith.

He was always smiling, and his family and friends will treasure his funny sense of humor and kindness.

Funeral services were held on Sunday, Oct. 11, at 2:30 p.m. at New Home Baptist Church with Pastor Jeff Stading officiating. Interment services followed immediately afterwards in Pisgah Cemetery.

The family will received friends one hour prior to the service at the church.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to New Home Baptist Church.

All arrangements are under the direction of Burns Funeral Home of Perry. Friends may sign the online guest book at www.joepburnsfuneralhomes.com.