Henry W. Bowman

Henry W. Bowman, 87, of Rothsville, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 2, 2026, at UPMC Hospital in Lititz. Born in Rothsville, he was the son of the late Henry and Esther Zimmerman Bowman.

Henry was a lifelong member of the Rothsville community, a place he was proud to call home. A 1956 graduate of Rothsville High School, he went on to serve his country in the U.S. Navy. He carried that same sense of dedication and service throughout his life, both in his work and in the many ways he gave back to his community.

Henry was the devoted husband of Eileen Thompson Bowman, and together they celebrated 36 years of marriage in May of this year. Their life together was filled with love, laughter, dancing, family, and many special memories. Henry especially enjoyed square dancing with Eileen, and the two shared many happy times together.

A skilled and hardworking master plumber, Henry was the owner and partner of H. Walter Bowman and Sons in Rothsville for many years. After retiring, he continued to stay busy, working in the maintenance department for Severn Trent Water Company in Lititz. He took pride in his work and was someone others could depend on.

Henry was a member of Jerusalem Evangelical Lutheran Church in Rothsville and was a faithful and active member of the Rothsville Fire Company. He served as Treasurer and was the founder of the Rothsville Fire Company Community Breakfasts, an effort that reflected his love of bringing people together and serving his neighbors.

Outside of work and community service, Henry knew how to enjoy life. He loved fishing, especially at Long Beach Island and Lewes, Delaware, where he made many cherished memories. But perhaps nothing was more important to him than his family. Henry had a deep love for his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and he treasured every opportunity to spend time with them. Those who knew him will remember not only his hardworking nature and willingness to help others, but also his devotion to the people he loved.

In addition to his wife, Eileen, Henry is survived by his son, Henry “Hank” Bowman; his daughter, Gina, wife of Brian Conner, all of West Plains, Missouri; his stepdaughter, Marilene, wife of Jeffrey Shelly of Lititz; three stepsons, William Patrick, husband of Michelle O’Malley of Harvey Cedars, New Jersey, Bryan, husband of Stephanie O’Malley of Lititz, and Shawn Patrick O’Malley of Elizabethtown; nine step-grandchildren; four step-great-grandchildren; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and his sister, Florence Morgan of Rothsville.

He was preceded in death by his stepson, Kevin George O’Malley, and his brother, Glenn Bowman.

Henry leaves behind a lifetime of memories and a family who will miss him dearly. His love, hard work, sense of service, and devotion to those around him will remain a lasting part of the lives of all who were fortunate enough to know him.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Henry’s funeral service at the Buch Funeral Home, 216 South Broad Street, Lititz, on Friday, October 9, 2026 at 11:00 AM. There will be a viewing at the funeral home on Friday morning from 10:00 AM until the time of the service. Interment will be in Jerusalem Evangelical Lutheran Cemetery, Rothsville. T