Lloyd Bowman, 76, of Spearfish, SD, died Wednesday, February 11, 2009 at Spearfish Regional Hospital.
Lloyd was born on February 7, 1933 at home in Pluma, South Dakota to Lyle & Leona Anna (Keegan) Bowman. Lloyd grew up with 5 siblings to include Charlotte (Bowman) Olson, Leslie "Les" Bowman, Louise (Bowman) Maynard, Joseph "Joe" Bowman and Wilbur "Wil" Bowman. In his early years he attended Pluma Elementary. He began the workforce at age 13 by operating a team of skid horses wherein he would haul timber down the hills to be delivered by trucks to the lumber yards. His first employer was Arnold Arnio. Other employer's included Garhart & Pool, Westburg, Whitewood Post & Pool along with a few others. Lloyd eventually became employed with American Colloid in Belle Fourche, South Dakota for many years and was sadly forced into retirement following a serious, on the job, accident on December 22, 1995 nearly taking his life. He did recover from his injuries and worked for a short time with Doug Lueders at Northern Hills Homes.
Outside of his professional work life, Lloyd was a "loving father to the fatherless" during his lifetime. This included being a father figure to his siblings. And his many nieces and nephews considered him much more than "Uncle Lloyd" wherein they knew he was a special covering to them as a protector, advocate and friend.
Lloyd met, dated and married the love of his life, Deanna (Copas/Maynard) Bowman on January 26, 1969 at the home of Deanna's sister Querida "Rida" and Roger Brunson. Lloyd not only had the blessing of his new bride but the privilege of adding three young, beautiful children into his home; Nadine, Danette and David. Lloyd and Deanna added another son, Neal, to their family. Lloyd eventually adopted Nadine, Danette and David giving them his last name too. Many of the happiest family times were spent "in the woods" with Daddy Lloyd. Enjoying nature, bouncing in the big truck, sleeping in the cab and blowing the air horns! Talking over a cup of coffee was his favorite past time especially with close family members and friends. He also loved eating home made ginger bread and sweet rolls baked by Deanna's parents Scotty and Wilma (Billie) Copas and said he could smell them baking from the road! Lloyd simply loved and valued family; all family and all friends.
If you asked anyone who knew Lloyd how they would best describe him you might hear these words; hard-working, kind, easy going, long suffering and a mischievous prankster. Outside of family, Lloyd enjoyed "fishing", no bait on the hook, no line in the water. Just relaxing! He also loved hunting, horses, playing cards or cribbage and making potato soup (always) containing a mystery ingredient! Lloyd and Deanna were heavily involved with various levels of children's ministry over the years and their favorite was driving children to church on the big blue Calvary Temple Happy Day Express! Many riders on the bus and in the community will recall Deanna's nickname for Lloyd AKA Lloyde Doydee. This nickname followed him all the days of his life and he secretly loved it!
Lloyd ran the race well and was best known for his loving generosity and perseverance. Lloyd is survived by his wife Deanna Bowman of Spearfish, their four children; Nadine (Larry) Cleberg of Orange, CA, Danette Bradley of Enumclaw, WA, David (Cara) Bowman of Lynnwood, WA, and Neal Bowman of Spearfish. He is also survived by and was most proud of his many grandchildren to include, Zachary & Jared Cleberg, Krystin & Justin Bradley, Charlee Bowman & honorary grandson Gregory "Bowman", Anthony Bowman and one great-granddaughter Rayne Forest. He is also survived by one brother, Joe (Mythe) Bowman of Silverdale, WA, and one sister, Louise Maynard of Lead, SD.
Lloyd was preceded in death by his dad, his mom, one sister, two brothers, one child, and one grandson (Christopher Bowman).
Visitation will be from 3-5 P.M., Monday, February 16, 2009 at Fidler-Isburg Funeral Chapel in Spearfish.
Memorial services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, February 17, 2009 at Fidler-Isburg Funeral Chapel in Spearfish. Reception details will be announced at the service. The family requests no flowers. A memorial will be established and is yet to be determined.