JACKSONVILLE  -  Michael Alan Bowman, 71, of Jacksonville, passed away Friday, January 9, 2026, at Naval Medical Center Camp Lejeune. Graveside funeral services, with military honors, will be held at 10:00 AM on Friday, January 16, 2026 at Coastal Carolina State Veterans Cemetery.

Mr. Bowman was born on January 4, 1955, in Shelby County, TN to the late Marion Bowman and Anna Stone Bowman. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Jim Chenault.

He served in the United States Marine Corps for 32 years, retiring as CWO5. He went on to continue working for another 20 years, employed by the Department of Defense. Michael lived his life to proudly honor the Corps and his country. Once a Marine, always a Marine!

Though his love for the Marine Corps was evident in the way he lived his life, upholding the strong values of honor, courage, and commitment, there was no love greater than his most cherished wife, Debbie, who was by his side for 39 years.

Together, Michael and Debbie built a most beautiful life, which filled his heart with pure and radiant joy, shown by the smiling faces, giggles, and celebrations with their children. There were road trips, local adventures, back yard camping trips filled with bonfires, smores, and fire cooked meals. Canoe explorations while stationed at Little Creek. Construction work by building his children a tree house, way up in the sky. Attending all the school events and extracurriculars he could. Michael was a devoted husband, and the proud recipient of the Number 1 Dad award. His heart was full of contentment, and then came along the little ones born from his children. He loved his grandchildren tremendously and enjoyed watching them grow, learn, and explore.

The depth of his love had no limits when it came to his family. His presence will be grievously missed by those that loved him most.

Michael, Dad, Pa, PaPa draw those pictures in the sand till we cross the shallow water, reaching for your hand.

He is survived by his wife, Debbie Bowman; children, Zachary Bowman (Alia), Mckenzie Buhmann (Brian), Michael Herbers (Madoka Miyagi), Megan Herbers (Roberto Lassalle), Madison Herbers (Brad Chambers), Samantha Moss, and Marc Losito; grandchildren, Ethan, Abigail, Emily, Natalie, Eleanor, Aria, Emelia, Gavin, Peyton, and Dante; great-grandchild, Gregory; siblings, Phil Garcia, Bobby Bowman, David Chenault, and Pat Bowman.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Michael's memory to St. Jude Children's Hospital.