Merlin Glen Bowman was born on September 12, 1933 near Walthill, NE to Glen and Mildred (Beaudette) Bowman. Merlin missed the first half of the school year his kindergarten year as he was riding the trains as they stopped in Walthill. The family moved to West Point in 1943 and Merlin graduated from West Point High School in 1952, where he acquired the nickname “Doc”. After graduation he worked for the City of West Point. He enlisted in the United States Army on January 27, 1955 and was honorably discharged on January 25, 1957 at Fort Lewis, WA.

On April 16, 1955, he was united in marriage to Ruth Stokes at the Presbyterian Church in Walthill. To this union three children were born: Douglas, Darla and Daniel. Merlin had worked for an independent ice company, unloading ice at the IBP plant at West Point. He later drove truck for various firms and operated his own trucking business with his son Doug as well. From 1970 to 1975, Merlin operated The Canteen in West Point. In 1986, he started Bowman Funnel Cakes and along with his family continued selling funnel cakes at county fairs and different events around the area.

Merlin was a member of West Point American Legion Post #70, was one of the founding members of the Cuming Choraliers.

Survivors include-
Wife- Ruth Bowman of West Point, NE
Children and their families-
Son-Douglas and Kathy Bowman of West Point, NE and children
Rebecca, Elizabeth and William
Daughter-Darla Amlong of Maryville, MO and family
Amanda Sawyer and children Dart and Maurice, Jr.
Ashley and Frank Montemurro and children Paul and Vivian
Amy and Jon Wilson and children Harmony and Zoey
Son-Daniel Bowman of West Point, NE

Brothers-Terry and Teri Bowman of Council Bluffs, IA
Roger and Jo Ann Bowman of Gordon, NE
Sister-Sue Batenhorst of West Point, NE

Merlin was preceded in death by his parents, infant sister-Beverly Jean, brother-Dean and his wife Lavonna Bowman and a nephew-Brent Bowman.

Ode to a Funnel Cake
Funnel Cake, Funnel Cake, I love you so dear.
When life goes awry, I just want you near.
I’d waited and looked for you all around town,
Until at the Cuming County Fair you were finally found.
I ate you with sugar all powdery white.
Sometimes with chocolate, but not on this night.
You make quite a mess, but I’m never surprised.
Cause seeing your goodness brings tears to my eyes.
Who knew such a simple thing like a frier with batter,
Could change my whole world, and make me get fatter?
But weight gain or not, I’d do it again,
Because when I eat funnel cakes, I can’t help but grin.