On Friday, August 9,2024 Joe Van Bowman took his final flight from this world surrounded by his loving family.

A dedicated first-responder and founding member of the Spring Garden Volunteer Fire Department, he spent his last hours cared for by first-responders who had continued his dream for SGVFD.

Our husband, daddy, and Gan took two flights on his final day. If you knew Joe Van, you know he would have been impressed by the emergency response provided for him by Spring Garden Volunteer Fire Department, Piedmont Rescue Squad, and Survival Flight. His final flight took him home to his Lord and Savior where he was reunited with dear friends and loved ones. When his eyes closed on this earth for the last time, they opened with eternal joy as he was welcomed home.

Joe Van spent 58 years married to the love of his life, Ruth Headrick Bowman. He was the proud daddy to Dinah and Darian. His grandchildren Cassie, Christopher, Draevan, and Riley were Gan’s pride and joy as well as his great-granddaughter, Landry Kate McGowan-Hernandez.

Joe Van was a dedicated member of Philadelphia Baptist Church where he had spent many years serving. He could fix just about anything and was always working in some capacity in our church. He loved our church and church family and was always in attendance.

Instead of visitation and a memorial service, Joe Van’s final request is that you attend church with your family on Sunday. Sit on the porch and share memories with your family.

Thompson Funeral Chapel Of Piedmont in Charge of Arrangements