Willis Hubert Bowmer, 91, of Russell Springs, KY passed from this life on Friday, January 16, 2026 of natural causes at Fair Oaks Nursing Home in Jamestown, KY. He was born at home in a log cabin on the family farm, located on Stephens Ridge Road in Russell County, KY on February 13, 1934 to the late John Ira Bowmer and Erma Lee Stephens Bowmer.
He was a gentle, kind, faithful husband, dad, grandpa, and great-grandpa who his family affectionately called "Pa”.
In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his first wife, Mescal Sue Black Bowmer of 48 years, and a son-in-law, Dennis Richard Wilson, both of Russell Springs, KY.
SURVIVORS:
His current wife: Elke Bowmer of Russell Springs, KY
1 daughter: Candace “Candy” Wilson of Russell Springs, KY
1 grandson: Christian Anthony Mach (Tina), Okeana, OH
1 great-granddaughter: Emily Grace Mach, Lancaster, KY
2 step-sons: Charles Willard (Jennifer) and Joseph Willard (Susan)
5 step-grandchildren: Alexander, Kierstyn, Olivia, Meredith and Grayson Willard all of Russell Springs, KY
Nieces, nephews, adopted sisters & brothers, and many cousins in KY and OH
Hubert grew up in Russell County and attended a 2-room school, Bernard School, through the 8th grade. Then following in his dad’s footsteps, at 13, he began working on road construction as a water boy. He dedicated 64 years working on road construction helping to build most of the major highways in KY. During those years he learned to operate every piece of heavy equipment on the job. He was well known by every company he worked for as the finest finish man on road work. He worked all over KY then into TN and W VA, making life long friends from the many jobs he worked on. He and his dad worked on the Wolf Creek Dam; his dad on the construction and he worked twice on the repairs. He loved his work and picked up the hobby of talking on the CB radio where he was fondly known as “The Shovelman”.
After Hubert retired, he spent almost every morning drinking his coffee and chatting with his CB friends. Those who knew him referred to him as a true blue friend. In his earlier years he loved to fish, hunt, shoot clay pigeons, reload his own shells, target practice with his wife and daughter and travel.
He was a faithful servant for 71 years of The Bernard Church of God, making him the oldest member until his death.
If you wanted to know the truth about family or community history, he was the one to talk to, especially if you wanted church history or when and where roads were built in KY, TN and W VA. He never met a stranger and made friends easily, making him loved and admired by many.
Funeral Service: Friday, January 23, 2026 at 1:00pmCT at Bernard Ridge Church of God, 241 Stephens Ridge Road, Russell Springs, KY with Bro. Ted Stidham and Bro. Eric Richardson officiating
Visitation: Beginning at 10:00amCT
Interment: Bernard Cemetery, Stephens Ridge Road, Russell Springs, KY (formerly part of the original Stephens family farm)
Pallbearers: Jackie Aaron, Joe Aaron, Larry Bennett, Troy Downey, Bro. Billy Silverman and Clark Wheeler.
Honorary Pallbearers: Rudy Higginbotham, David Hill, Leroy Rayburn, Larry Pitman and Jeff Warner.
Wilson Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.
