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Melvin E. "Gene" Bowie, 84, passed away Monday June 16, 2025 at home surrounded by his family. Born in St. Marys, WV on January 13, 1941, he was a son of the late Charles and Zelma Hashman Bowie. He was a 1961 graduate of St. Marys High School. After graduating, he worked for US Hardwoods in Newport, OH. He then worked for Quaker State Oil Refinery and retired in 2003. He was a Pastor for many years at The Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints until the church closed. He was currently attending First Baptist Church of St. Marys. He was a member of the National Riflemen's Association. Gene taught hunters safety education for 18 years and was recently inducted into the 2025 WV Hunters Education Hall of Fame. He taught concealed carry classes for many years.
He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Waneta "Eleanor" Wilson Bowie; five children, Paul (Lisa) Bowie, Karen (Steve) Riddle, Jerry (Halee) Bowie, Jody (Dave) Davis, and Brian (Christina) Bowie; 11 grandchildren, Amanda (Jesse) Hadley, Logan (Kayla) Bowie, Tanner (Halle) Bleakley, Hunter Bleakley, Bradley and Scott Riddle, Rylee Schmidt, Griffin, Hudson, and Talon Bowie, and Bralynn and Jaela Davis; five great-grandchildren, Paisley and Marshall Hadley, Brooks and Slade Bowie, and Nymeria Bleakley; two sisters, Carol Hysell and Joan (Doug) Smith; one brother, Jim (Jeannette) Bowie; sisters and brothers in law, Claudette Bowie, Pat Bowie, Penny Bowie, Beckie (Irv) Talkington, Debbie (Roger) Bailey, Vickie (Dale) Gowins, Wayne (Kim) Wilson, John (Linda) Wilson, Jeff (Elaine) Wilson, Patty Wilson, and Kandy Wilson; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers and sisters, Brenda Sue Bowie, Don, Terry, and Chuck Bowie, Joyce Henderson, Charlie and Steve Wilson, Pat (Bob) Stanley, and Cindy Wilson; and mother and father in law Delbert and Madge Wilson.
Funeral service will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, June 21, 2025 at the First Baptist Church, St. Marys, WV with Pastor Mark Wilding officiating. Burial will follow in the Wilson Family Cemetery. Friends may call from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at Ingram Funeral Home, St. Marys, WV and from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday at the church. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to: The Rosenbaum Family House, 30 Family House Drive, Morgantown, WV 26506. An online guest register is available at www.ingramfh.com.