Robert Leo "Bob" Bowling, age 94 of Loretto, passed away Saturday, July 2, 2016.

He was born December 2, 1921 in New Hope to the late Webb and Alice Dant Bowling and was the oldest of ten children. He was a graduate of Saint Joe Prep and a member of Saint Francis of Assisi Catholic Church. He served in the U.S. Navy as a Quartermaster 1st Class on the USS Bowditch, a hydrographic survey ship. In the early 1950's he opened "Bob's Service Station" in Loretto and operated it until the death of his father-in-law, Herbert Lyon. At that time he joined his brothers-in-law, Henry and Basil Lyon in J.H. Lyon General Store. He retired in 1973 to enjoy family, hunting and fishing.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, Eunice Lyon Bowling; one brother, Corky and one sister, Cecilia Kirkpatrick.

Survivors include two sons, Bob Bowling, Jr. (Lynnette) of LaGrange and Phil Bowling (Lynne) of Bardstown; one daughter, Phyllis Bowling of Bardstown; six grandchildren, Joe Bowling, Rob Bowling, Kate Johnson, Sarah Bowling, Matt Bowling and Heather Perkins (Travis); five great-grandchildren, Sam Johnson, Will Johnson, Philip Bowling, Brooke Bowling and Caroline Bowling; four sisters, Frankie Mouser, Lottie Byrd, Joannie O'Bryan and Allie Kirkpatrick; three brothers, Wally Bowling, Jerry Bowling (Mary Ann) and Jim Pat Bowling (Jean); sister-in-law, Martha Bowling; brother-in-law, Ed "Sonny" Kirkpatrick.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 AM Thursday, July 7, 2016 at Saint Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 6785 Highway 52, Saint Francis. The Revs. Bryan Lamberson and Joseph A. Lyon will concelebrate. Interment will follow in the church cemetery where military rite will be conducted by the Marion County Veterans Honor Guard.

Visitation is 2-8 PM Wednesday at Mattingly Funeral Home, 195 Holy Cross Road, Loretto with a prayer service at 7 PM by The Rev. Deacon Joseph R. Dant.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Saint Francis of Assisi bereavement dinner fund, Mass of the Air or Saint Francis Cemetery Fund.
His grandchildren will serve as pallbearers and his great-grandchildren will serve as honorary pallbearers.