Carl Edward Bowling was born April 24, 1937 to John and Marie Bowling. He passed away peacefully on October 19, 2020 after a long battle with Dementia/Alzheimer’s. Carl was born in Glomar, Kentucky and lived there until his family moved to the state of Washington in 1941. Carl went to school in Mineral, Washington until 1949 when his family moved to Bridgeville, California. His family lived in Bridgeville until 1954 and then moved to Blocksburg, California. Four years later in 1958 he met the love of his life in Blocksburg, and 3 weeks later Carl married Patricia McKinney. They were married for 48 years until her passing in 2006. Dad was never the same after he lost his “Pitter Pat” as he would call her. Carl and Pattie had 3 children, Jeannie, Sherrie and Carl Jr. “C.J.”

Carl and Pattie moved from Blocksburg to Swains Flat, and then to Myers Flat until the 1964 flood when they lost everything they had. After a short trip to Ohio, they returned to Fortuna and finally ended up in Eureka from then to their passing. Dad worked in the sawmill industry and drove logging trucks until his retirement.

Carl enjoyed hunting, fishing, golf, bowling and motorcycles. He traveled and raced dirt bikes in the Old Timer Nationals, winning several championships until he was 79. He was really looking forward to racing in the 80 year old class but unfortunately he got sick before he was able to. Dad was a tough guy but a softy at heart. Dad and Mom enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing and bowling together and mom was always so supportive of Dads racing. They eventually got a motorhome to go camping and travel to the races. The motorhome was Dad’s way of thanking mom for supporting him, she enjoyed going so much more with a motorhome instead of a van! Dad also taught his kids and his grandsons all those same things that he loved so much. The family also spent many summers at Trinity Lake camping, water skiing, fishing and making memories.

Dad walked 3-5 miles daily with his faithful dog Sassy; she was his companion after mom died. He was proud of his accomplishment to walk the 11-mile loop at Headwaters in his 70s. Sassy hiked it with him and Dad gave her all his water even though he was so thirsty for water himself. He loved his Sassy girl.

Carl was preceded in death by his parents John and Marie Bowling, his wife Patricia Bowling, and his sister Louise Cheever. He is survived by his sister Jean LaBoyne. He is also survived by his daughters, Jeannie Olson and husband Gary, Sherrie Sample and husband Mel, and his son Carl Jr. “C.J.” Bowling and wife Tosha. His grandsons Robert Wilson, Jason Losey and wife Elsie, Chad Sample, Kyle Sample and wife Kelli, Joseph Sample and wife Hanna, Bret Sample and wife Brooke, and Jesse Bowling. Great Grandchildren Kylee, Ava, Reed, Dominic, Chloe, Bailey, Lexi, Emmy, Paige and Blake, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Carl’s family would like to thank the Eureka Rehabilitation and Wellness staff for the care they gave Dad the last 3 years. Due to COVID, private services will be held for immediate family only.

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