Clarence Calvin Bowling

Clarence Calvin Bowling was born November 12, 1926 in Salem, Arkansas. He was the son of John Tollie and Mary Ethel Chadwick Bowling. He departed this life on September 15, 2018 at Salem, Arkansas.

Clarence attended Salem schools and graduated from Salem High School in 1946. He graduated from Arkansas Tech in Russellville with an Associate’s Degree in Agriculture. Clarence was a veteran of the U.S. Army, stationed in Germany during the Korean War. He taught agriculture to Veterans at Norfork, Arkansas. Clarence received his Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture and Master’s Degree in Entomology from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville.

Clarence married Ava Jo Perryman of Salem on September 4, 1953 in the Salem First Baptist Church. In 1955, after obtaining his master’s degree, he accepted a job as an entomologist with the Texas A&M University System in Beaumont, Texas. He worked to prevent insect crop destruction to rice and soybeans. Clarence and Ava Jo had three children, Mark Brian, Cynthia Gail and Sara Jo.

Clarence and Ava Jo lived in Beaumont for 48 years. They were members of Amelia Baptist and Westgate Memorial Baptist Churches. Clarence served as a deacon for many years in both churches. He was a men’s Sunday School teacher during these years. Clarence enjoyed fishing, hunting and gardening. He was a likeable and dependable neighbor. Clarence was a loving and caring husband and father. His personality and character was pronounced by strong stability.

Clarence retired early from Texas A&M University System. He began a crop consulting business dealing with rice and soybeans. Earlier, Clarence received a patent for insect collection kits of which he made a small business. He acquired other patents relating to his work. He also wrote articles pertaining to entomology in various books and magazines. His career involved traveling to a number of foreign countries to share his knowledge concerning entomology and agriculture.

In 2003, Clarence and Ava Jo moved to Horseshoe Bend, Arkansas. They were members of Salem First Baptist Church.

Clarence is preceded in death by his wife Ava Jo, his parents, brothers – C.P., John, Coy and Buddy and sisters – Nova and Betty.

Clarence is survived by his son Mark and wife Debra of Edmond, OK. His daughter Cindy Dammon and her husband Jimmy of Plymouth, IN and his daughter Sara Bowling of Salem, AR. Grandchildren: Blake Bowling, Lauren Dammon Rich, Holly Bowling Smith and Brett Bowling. He has six great grandchildren: Tyler, Ashlynn, Parker, Jonah, Margot and Anthony. Clarence is also survived by his brothers Shelby, James Bradley and Bob. He is survived by his sisters Frances, Ola Faye and Nadine.

Funeral services will be 11:00 A.M. Friday, September 21, 2018 at Salem First Baptist Church in Salem, Arkansas with Bro. John Hodges officiating. Visitation will be 6:00 – 8:00 P.M. Thursday, September 20, 2018 at Barker Funeral Home in Salem, Arkansas. Interment will be in the Salem Cemetery in Salem, Arkansas. Pallbearers are Pat Hodges, Tim Hodges, Shan Hodges, Perry Faver, Benjamin Faver, Matthew Miller, Blake Bowling and Brett Bowling. Memorials may be made to the Salem Cemetery association or Salem First Baptist Church. Arrangements are under the direction of Barker Funeral Home in Salem, Arkansas.