Nicholas Bowling

Nicholas R. Bowling, 57, of Ontario, died Wednesday, February 2, 2011, at MedCentral Mansfield. Born September 16, 1953, in Ironton, Ohio, he was the son of Bonnie C. and Billie V. Bartley Bowling. He attended Mansfield Senior High School and had worked at WalMart as receiving manager for 19 years. Known for his cooking, Nicholas loved to feed and entertain people, especially during football season. He enjoyed being outdoors, car shows, listening to Blues music and riding motorcycles. He was a member of the Amvets Post 26. Nicholas was known by many as "Pops" as he wanted to be a father to everyone, but most of all he was a wonderful husband and a great father to his children.

Surviving are his wife of 40 years, Debbie Parrigan Bowling; a son, Chad Nicholas Samantha Bowling of Crestline; a daughter, Sara Nicole Bowling of Mansfield; two grandchildren, Gavin and Kara Mapes; two sisters, Alice Wayne Abernathy and Brenda Henry Medina; a brother, Kenneth Cookie Johnson; and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Fran Persinger.

Friends may call from 2-5 p.m. Sunday, February 6, 2011, at the Ontario Home of Wappner Funeral Directors, 100 S. Lexington-Springmill Rd., Mansfield. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, February 7, 2011, at the funeral home conducted by his niece, Rebecca Medina. Burial will follow in Mansfield Memorial Park. Memorial contributions may be made to MedCentral Cancer Care.