Obituary of Gary Troy Bowling

Gary Troy Bowling passed away at age 58 on June 24, 2014, at Mercy Hospital Springfield, after a courageous battle with cancer. Gary and twin brother, Larry Roy, were born on July 20, 1955 in Wichita Falls, Texas to Emmett and Lena (Howell) Bowling. His parents preceded him in death. Gary married Carolyn (Stoner) Bowling on May 29, 2011. Their time together was short, but those years were the happiest of both their lives. Other survivors include daughter Leigh Anne Bowling and �grand-dog� Annie Mae, Warrensburg; stepson Joey Dollison and sons Taylor and Leland, Linn Creek; stepson Jeremy Wallace and girlfriend Armelle Dassi, Springfield; brother Larry Bowling and wife Sherry, Camdenton; nephew Wesley Bowling and son William; niece Heather Bowling; mother-in-law and adopted mom �Miss Betty� Stoner and numerous friends and extended family. Gary was saved and baptized at an early age and was a member of First Baptist Church of Macks Creek. He was Past Master of Linn Creek Masonic Lodge 152, Past District Deputy Grand Master of the 30th Masonic District, and held offices in the York Rite, Scottish Rite, and Eastern Star. Gary worked in law enforcement for 34 years, the last 28 years at Camden County Sheriff�s Office. He served in numerous capacities, including canine officer with his partner T.J., marijuana eradication officer, Law Enforcement Academy instructor, and Deputy Coroner. He was a charter member and two time director of the Lake of the Ozarks Major Case Squad and was a founding member and team advisor for the Camden County Crisis Action Team. He was promoted to Captain in 2003 and was Public Information Officer, serving as the face of the Sheriff�s Office to the news media and the community. He retired in 2011. He was proud of his daughter, Leigh Anne, who followed in his footsteps and is the Operations Manager for Johnson County Central Dispatch E-911. Gary enjoyed music, reading, history, trivia, riding his Harley, traveling with his wife, watching Cardinals baseball, fishing, hunting, nature, and being in the outdoors. He had a loving and generous heart and was a friend to all who knew him. He enjoyed sharing life experiences to teach others the importance of honesty and integrity. He will be remembered for his twisted sense of humor and the funny stories he loved to tell.