Mark A. Bowman

Cherished husband, father and grandfather, passed away on May 28, 2016, surrounded by his family. Mark was born on December 29, 1934 in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Allan B. and Anna Meryl Bowman. He spent much of his childhood in Lordsburg, New Mexico, near the site of a copper mine managed by his father. In 1951, the Bowmans moved to Tucson, Arizona and put down lasting roots. Mark graduated from Tucson High School in 1952. He attended the University of Arizona for pre-dental studies, then graduated with honors from Baylor University College of Dentistry in 1959. He promptly enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, completing two years of active duty as a dentist in Turkey. In 1962, Mark returned to Tucson to establish his own dental practice. He chose an office on 5th Street, where he served the community for 45 years. Music was an important part of Mark's life. He is fondly remembered for his five decades of service as an organist and pianist for local congregations of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In 1974, Mark married Gayle (née) Gehrke, a spirited woman who shared his love of music. The pair enjoyed 37 wonderful years of companionship and family life until Gayle's passing in 2011. Mark is survived by two younger siblings, David B. Bowman and Marjorie A. Nelson, both of Tucson, as well as his three children, John G. Holland (Angie) of Manhattan Beach, California, Jennifer B. Koop (Jason) of Draper, Utah, and Christopher A. Bowman (Mariana) of Pasadena, California and nine beloved grandchildren, Anna Claire Koop, Evan Koop, Charles Koop, Juliet Koop, Jack Holland, Helen (P.K.) Holland, Maia Bowman, Lucas Bowman and Reed Bowman. A tenth grandchild is on the way. A Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, June 17, 2016 at the Hidden Valley Ward Fairmount Chapel, 6150 E. Fairmount Street, immediately followed by a graveside service at 11:00 a.m. at East Lawn Palms Cemetery. At noon, friends and family are invited to attend an open house in Mark's honor at the home of Carson and Warren Rustand, 5750 E. Santa Fee Place, Tucson, AZ 85715. Arrangements by East Lawn Palms Mortuary.