Norman Parker Bowles

January 23, 2024 at 4:35 p.m.


Norman Parker Bowles, 86, a lifelong Rush County resident passed away, Monday, January 15, 2024 at Ascension St. Vincent Heart Center in Carmel. Norman was born in Rush County on June 14, 1937 to the late Herbert O. and Evelyn (Martin) Bowles. Norman was a 1956 graduate of Rushville High School. He married Jane Van Sickle on November 30, 1957 and she survives. Norman was a barber his entire life. He began his career for a short time in Milroy. He and Jane then moved to Muncie where he barbered at the Varsity Barber Shop in The Village. In 1961 they moved back to Rushville, and he opened his own barber shop on East U.S. 52. He barbered for a total of 66 years and was still barbering before his death.

Norman was also in the Army Reserves from 1954-62. He served in the 806th Army Postal Unit as PFC. He also enjoyed a 50-year membership as a 32nd degree Scottish Rite Mason. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church and was actively involved throughout his life as a Sunday school teacher, Sunday school superintendent, elder, deacon and session member. 

In addition to his wife Jane, Norman is survived by his children, Debbie (Kip) Burkett and Doug (Carissa) Bowles, both of Rushville, a brother, Alan Bowles of Rushville and two sisters, Doris (Dan) Wallace of New Palestine and Helen McGuire of Rushville. He will also be missed by his grandchildren Brent (Erin) Burkett of Fishers, Brad (Kelsey) Burkett of Greensburg, Bryant (Audrie) Burkett of Evansville, Kyle (Jennifer) Bowles of Rushville, Jonathon (Miranda) Bowles of Greenwood, Brad Duncan of Bowling Green, Ky, Keith Duncan of Carthage, Colton Cudworth of Rushville and Carley Cudworth of Carmel and 13 great-grandchildren. He loved his family so very much!

Norman was preceded in death by his parents, his brother David E. Bowles and his daughter-in-law Myra Jean Bowles. 

Services were held at First Presbyterian Church on Tuesday, January 23 at 12pm with Pastor Emeritus Dena E. Vittorio and Reverends Marena and Garrett Vittorio Schindler presiding. Friends visited until the time of service at the church. Burial was in East Hill Cemetery. The family suggests memorial gifts be given to First Presbyterian Church or the Boys & Girls Club of Rush County. 

Paid obituary

Norman Parker Bowles, 86, a lifelong Rush County resident passed away, Monday, January 15, 2024 at Ascension St. Vincent Heart Center in Carmel. Norman was born in Rush County on June 14, 1937 to the late Herbert O. and Evelyn (Martin) Bowles. Norman was a 1956 graduate of Rushville High School. He married Jane Van Sickle on November 30, 1957 and she survives. Norman was a barber his entire life. He began his career for a short time in Milroy. He and Jane then moved to Muncie where he barbered at the Varsity Barber Shop in The Village. In 1961 they moved back to Rushville, and he opened his own barber shop on East U.S. 52. He barbered for a total of 66 years and was still barbering before his death.

Norman was also in the Army Reserves from 1954-62. He served in the 806th Army Postal Unit as PFC. He also enjoyed a 50-year membership as a 32nd degree Scottish Rite Mason. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church and was actively involved throughout his life as a Sunday school teacher, Sunday school superintendent, elder, deacon and session member. 

In addition to his wife Jane, Norman is survived by his children, Debbie (Kip) Burkett and Doug (Carissa) Bowles, both of Rushville, a brother, Alan Bowles of Rushville and two sisters, Doris (Dan) Wallace of New Palestine and Helen McGuire of Rushville. He will also be missed by his grandchildren Brent (Erin) Burkett of Fishers, Brad (Kelsey) Burkett of Greensburg, Bryant (Audrie) Burkett of Evansville, Kyle (Jennifer) Bowles of Rushville, Jonathon (Miranda) Bowles of Greenwood, Brad Duncan of Bowling Green, Ky, Keith Duncan of Carthage, Colton Cudworth of Rushville and Carley Cudworth of Carmel and 13 great-grandchildren. He loved his family so very much!

Norman was preceded in death by his parents, his brother David E. Bowles and his daughter-in-law Myra Jean Bowles. 

Services were held at First Presbyterian Church on Tuesday, January 23 at 12pm with Pastor Emeritus Dena E. Vittorio and Reverends Marena and Garrett Vittorio Schindler presiding. Friends visited until the time of service at the church. Burial was in East Hill Cemetery. The family suggests memorial gifts be given to First Presbyterian Church or the Boys & Girls Club of Rush County. 

Paid obituary

Have a news tip? Email [email protected] or Call/Text 360-922-3092

e-Edition


e-edition

Sign up


for our email newsletters

Weekly Top Stories

Sign up to get our top stories delivered to your inbox every Sunday

Daily Updates & Breaking News Alerts

Sign up to get our daily updates and breaking news alerts delivered to your inbox daily

Latest Stories


Stephen Harlan
Stephen Wayne Harlan, 69 of Liberty passed away on Thursday, November 14, 2024.

Geraldine Campbell
Geraldine “Geri” Campbell, 91, of Connersville, passed away on November 16, 2024 at Arbor Trace Assisted Living in Richmond.

John “Sonny” Fields
John C. “Sonny” Fields, born on March 12, 1934, in Connersville, peacefully passed away on November 13, 2024, at the age of 90.

David Rockafellow
David Frank Rockafellow, age 74, of Brookville, passed away on Saturday, November 16, 2024, surrounded by family.

John Roberts Jr.
John Roberts Jr., age 63, of Metamora passed peacefully early Sunday morning, November 17, 2024 at the his residence in Metamora following a brief illness.