Homegoing Services for
Larry Bowlds 1937-2019 Saturday, February 16, 2019 Service Held at St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church 1204 West 14th Street Marion, IN 46953 Rev. Carson Adams – Pastor Officiating Guest Elder Thomas Nukes Repast Faulkner Community Center Internment Grant Memorial Cemetery Marion, IN
Obituary On August 14, 1937, Larry Bowlds was born to Charles and Annabell (Thompson) Bowlds in Marion, Indiana. The youngest of seven children, he attended Calvary Baptist Church. In 1987, he accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior at St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church. After graduating from Marion High School in 1955, Larry went on to play football at Tennessee State University. However, after longing for his family, he returned to Marion after his freshman year. At 18 years old, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, where he proudly served his country alongside one of his closest childhood friends, Freddie L. Jones. November 18, 1958, Larry married his high school sweetheart and love of his life, Jonnie (Speikes) Bowlds. The marriage was witnessed by bridesmaid, Birdie Cobb and best man, David Pettiford. Their happy union produced three proud children: Larri Alesia, Delona Jylvette, and Russell Anthony. A loving husband and engaged father, he instilled in his children an ethic of discipline, the importance of service, and a love for the Lord. He also encouraged and inspired them through his indomitable faith and deep wisdom. Larry loved his family unconditionally, but he did not stop there. He welcomed everyone with open arms. When he married his wife, the oldest of twelve children, he considered himself to be the thirteenth sibling. He also delivered meals with Meals on Wheels beside his dear friend Noble Jones and used his love for carpentry to help build homes for families in need through Habitat for Humanity. He, his dad and brothers, Charles and Homer, would continue this mission by building and remodeling houses. A lover of people, Larry was always willing to lend a helping hand. At 26 years old, he became the first black man in security for General Motors. Through hard work and perseverance, 7 years later, he was promoted to Supervisor before becoming General Foreman over second shift until retirement after 32 years of employment. This was a far cry from his start at General Motors loading box cars at age 22. Larry was a true example of seizing opportunities and proving your worth. During his time at General Motors, he touched many lives and broke many barriers. A gregarious, but humble, plain spoken man; he formed many deep, enduring relationships.
Over the years, Larry and Jonnie became viable pillars and well-respected members of the community. As member of the Wilson Lodge Masonic Order Prince Hall #12, where he served as a Board member for the Housing Units, 100 Black Men of America, Inc. and the NAACP for over 50 years, they worked in conjunction with other visionaries focusing on improving their communities. Many service-oriented relationships developed into lifelong friendships. In his later years, Larry continued to motivate and encourage others in only the way that he could. His grandchildren respected his wisdom and revered their grandfather as a man of integrity. He enjoyed watching sports, Judge Judy and Swamp People in his spare time. Larry also loved to cook. He prepared full four-course meals during the week, complete with freshly squeezed lemonade. His chili, chicken and rice and pot roast were easily fan favorites. Seeking another soldier in His army of angels, on February 9, 2019, our Lord and Savior called Larry home to rest. He is reunited in heaven with his parents, Charles and Annabell Bowlds and his siblings: Homer, Herbert, Cornelius, Charles W. Bowlds and Barbara Sue Pate. Left to cherish his sweet memories are his wife of 60 years: Jonnie (Speikes) Bowlds; children: Larri Alesia Williams of Marion, IN, Delona Jylvette (Garry) Moore of Houston, TX and Russell Anthony Bowlds of Marion, IN; five granddaughters, Amber Williams of Dallas, TX, April (Jarrett) Powell of Hoffman Estates, IL, Adrianna Moore of Houston, TX, Sierra Harris and Natalya Williams both of Marion, IN; two Grandsons: Garry Moore of Houston, TX and Brandon Williams of Statesboro, GA; one sister: Patricia Bowlds of Indianapolis, IN; one aunt: Eula Mae Townsend of Marion, IN; five great grandchildren and a host of extended family and friends.
Order of service PROCESSIONAL | Music by the Weatherly Family READING OF THE OLD TESTAMENT | Jeff Scales READING OF THE NEW TESTAMENT | Deacon Albert McElroy SONG SELECTION | Jackie Patterson PRAYER OF COMFORT | Jerome Speikes RESOLUTION & ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS | Ericka Smith SONG SELECTION | Cynthia Owensby-Starks WORDS OF EXPRESSION | As a Friend – Harry Dorsey As a Brother in Law – Jerome Speikes As a Lodge Member – Otis Dodson As a Mentor- Mike White As an Uncle- Steve Bowlds As a Father and Provider – read by Joslynn Whittaker CELEBRATION OF LIFE TRIBUTE | Slide Tribute EULOGY | Elder Thomas Nukes BENEDICTION | Rev. Carson Adams
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.” 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 Larry and Jonnie, a love like no other.
In Memory of Our Dad If we could write a story It would be the greatest ever told, Of a kind and loving father Who had a heart of gold. It could be a million pages But still be unable to say, just how Much we love and will miss him Every single day. We will remember all he taught us We are hurt but won’t be sad Because he’ll send us down the answers And he’ll always be our Dad. My Dad. One of a kind and the true definition of a MAN. He was the best husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, cousin… the list could go on forever. UNSELFISH was his middle name. We shared our father with so many other children growing up. Still he had plenty of love to give to all. So many life lessons, celebrations of success and life long memories. He taught me the ethic of work, the importance of family and the love of God. I will always treasure his advice, his memory and his love. I love you Dad. Love, your Daughter, Larri Alesia Bowlds-Williams AKA...Lisa
I know that no matter what, you will always be with me. When life separates us, I know it is only your soul saying goodbye to your body, but your spirit will be with me always. When I see a bird chirping on a nearby branch, I will know it is you singing to me. When a butterfly brushes gently by, I will know it is you assuring me you are free from pain. When the gentle fragrance of a flower catches my attention, I will know it is you reminding me to appreciate the simple things in life. When the sun shining through my window awakens me I will feel the warmth of your love. When I hear the rain pitter patter against my window sill, I will hear your words of wisdom, and will remember what you taught me so well--that without rain trees cannot grow, nor can the flowers bloom. Without life’s challenges I cannot grow strong. When I look out to the sea I will think of your endless love for your family. When I think of mountains, their majesty and magnificence, I will think of your courage for your country. No matter where I am, your spirit will be beside me. For I know that no matter what, you will always be with me. Love you always and forever, Your Baby Girl, Jyl
Greatest Hero This world has many heroes, some you’d know by name. They give their best at what they do, so they deserve the fame. But among all of the heroes this world has ever had, There is not one admired more than the guy that I call dad. Perhaps not like the others, he doesn’t look for praise, He’s heroic in his special way, in his thoughtful caring ways. Perhaps he’s not as famous as the others that you see, But he’s everything and so much more that heroes ought to be. He keeps his word, it’s good as gold, on this you can depend. He’s honest and he’s loyal too, he’s also a true friend. When I hear about a hero, and the great things they have done, It reminds me of my father, he is the greatest one... He was the best dad anyone could ask for. The kindest person, never with a harsh word to say about anyone. Thank you for being my dad Mr. Bowlds, I’m honored to be your son. I will always love and admire you. Your Son, Russell
WORDS OF GRATITUDE People everywhere, from all walks of life have given us so many things intangible and dear. We couldn’t begin to count them all, or even make them clear; we only know we owe so much to everyone. You have brought sunshine into our home; you have visited, prayed, through gifts of all kinds, called asked about us and simply cared. For this we are thankful. Our sorrow is easier to bear with the help from God and friends like you. We appreciate all you have done for us during our hour of bereavement. May God richly bless you all. Jonnie and the Family
PALLBEARERS Sylvester Speikes Marc Howard Brice Bowlds Jerry Speikes Leon Nicholson Rodrick Speikes Danny Bowlds Larry Brown
HONORARY PALLBEARERS Steve Bowlds Freddie L. Jones Harry Dorsey Howard Fisher Mike White Otis Dodson Amos Randle Judge Davis Johnny Jones
“His Lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy Lord .” Matthew 25:23
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