Daniel E. Bowman

Daniel E. Bowman, 75, passed away peacefully on July 30, 2026, surrounded by the love of family and a lifetime of cherished memories. Born on December 19, 1950, in Cincinnati, Ohio, Dan was the son of Earl and Virginia (Oser) Bowman. When he was five years old, the family moved to Hamilton, where he attended St. Peter in Chains School before graduating from Hamilton Taft High School. During his school years, he distinguished himself as an accomplished track and cross-country runner, displaying the determination and competitive spirit that would define his life. Dan fulfilled a lifelong dream when he enlisted in the United States Navy on August 11, 1969. During six years of service, he traveled the world aboard the USS Wainwright and USS William V. Pratt, earning numerous commendations before being honorably discharged on August 5, 1975, as a Gunner's Mate Missileman First Class (GMM1). His military experience laid the foundation for a successful career as an electrician. After ten years with IBEW Local 648, he spent the next thirty years at General Electric before retiring in February 2020. In 1977, Dan met the love of his life, Cara, on a blind date. From that day forward, they were inseparable. They married on September 16, 1978, and built a loving home while raising two children, Christopher and Dana. Faith, family, and service were the cornerstones of Dan's life. He devoted countless hours to coaching and mentoring young athletes. He coached Little League baseball alongside his friend Gary Marsh before leading a women's softball team from Tri-County Extended Care. Later, he coached Chris and Dana's track and cross-country teams at Sacred Heart School for eleven years. As his children entered Fairfield High School, Dan continued coaching for another decade with Steve Smith at Badin High School, where he formed lifelong friendships with athletes and their families. Dan also pursued his passion for automobiles and racing. He transformed a 1967 Plymouth GTX into a race car and spent many weekends at Tri-State Dragway with his longtime friend Dirk Hale. In 1995, he became a charter member of the Tri-State Mopar Club, serving in several leadership roles over the years. He was equally devoted to preserving the friendships forged during his military service as a lifetime member, officer, and reunion planner for the USS Wainwright Association. At General Electric, Dan was an active member of the GE Veterans Network. Twice each year, he volunteered at the Cincinnati Fisher House, welcoming veterans and their families with snacks, conversation, and heartfelt gratitude for their service. Retirement never slowed him down. In his Florida community, Dan took pride in beautifying the grounds, served two terms as secretary of the condominium association, and maintained its website. Dan was preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Virginia Bowman; his sister, Kathy (Terry) Merz; and his brothers, Tom (Sylvia) Bowman and Tim Bowman. He is lovingly remembered by his devoted wife of nearly 48 years, Cara; his son, Chris (Holly) Bowman, and their children, Avery and Daniel; his daughter, Dana (Jay) Getz, and their daughter, Ava; as well as many beloved aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and countless friends whose lives were enriched by his kindness, generosity, and sense of humor. Dan truly never met a stranger. He was often the last to leave a gathering because he genuinely enjoyed spending time with people and making them feel welcome. His home was filled with laughter, and his greatest joy was his family, especially Cara, the love of his life. Visitation will be held on Saturday, August 15, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at Avance Funeral Home, 4976 Winton Road, Fairfield, Ohio. A memorial service, officiated by Father Larry Tharp, will immediately follow. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, August 17, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at Sacred Heart Church, 400 Nilles Road, Fairfield, Ohio, with Father Larry Tharp presiding. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Friends of Cincinnati Fisher House, PO Box 58108, Cincinnati, OH 45258, or Hospice of Cincinnati, PO Box 633597, Cincinnati, OH 45263.