Martin Bowie

Martin Dale Bowie, 75, passed away peacefully on January 7, 2024, at the Halifax Health Hospice Center in Edgewater, Florida.  He was born October 24, 1948, in Holden, Missouri, the son of Dale and Verla (Phelps) Bowie. His mother passed away in 1956 and his father then married Mary Ellen (Elliott) Bowie.

Martin graduated from Holden High School, class of 1966, and at an early age accepted Jesus as his Savior.  Following graduation, he served with the U.S. Navy on the U.S.S. Saratoga stationed in Jacksonville, Florida, and Iceland.  After completing his service, he returned to Warrensburg, Missouri, where he studied and played football at Central Missouri State University.  He was a member of Theta Chi fraternity.  In 1969, he married Pamela Kaye Ross and from that union there were two children, Ryan and Tedra.  In 1988, he married Libby Sue McGownd, of Mountain Grove, Missouri, and they were married for over 32 years.  The couple made New Smyrna Beach, Florida, their home along with a very special dog named Mahomes. 

Martin coached football, track, basketball, and wrestling at several schools including Grain Valley High School, Warrensburg High School, Fayette High School, Louisiana Tech University, Willow Springs High School, and Tipton High School.  In addition to coaching, he served as athletic and activities director at Tipton High School and Mountain Grove High School.  While at Mountain Grove he also taught PAWS credit recovery course.  He finished his coaching and teaching career at Fort Pierce Central High School in Florida where he taught freshman orientation, coached track, and was the assistant athletic director.

Martin taught physical education, driver’s education, health, gymnastics, and swimming lessons to numerous youngsters in his community. He definitely had a passion for educating the youth around him.  His other passions included camping, fishing, deep sea fishing, deer hunting, cooking, grilling, traveling, plus being with his wife, family, and friends.  He was a die-hard NASCAR racing fan and loved watching the Kansas City Chiefs.  Martin and Libby fulfilled a bucket list wish by attending the 2023 Super Bowl in Phoenix, Arizona.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Shelly, and a brother, Daryl Bowie. 

Surviving in addition to his wife, Libby Bowie, are his son, Ryan Bowie (Jalonna) of Lee’s Summit, Missouri; daughter, Tedra Rodriguez of Warrensburg, Missouri; five grandchildren, Taelyn, Emersyn and Breckyn Bowie, Bryleigh and Blake Rodriguez; his step-mother, Mary Ellen Bowie of Clinton, Missouri; one brother, Chris Bowie (Rita) of Boonville, Missouri; three sisters, Sally Bryant (Dale) of Clinton, Missouri, Vicki Baker (Roger) of Bates City, Missouri, Becky Bowie (Jamie Mather) of Port Orange, Florida; sister-in-law Kim Bowie of Port St Lucie, Florida, and many nieces and nephews.

Memorial contributions may be made to Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, Florida, or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.