On February 12, 2026, the Lord called home one of His own—Mark Lynn Bowman, age 59, of Monterey, Tennessee. His story, like many great stories, was filled with adventure, struggle, love, and ultimately, redemption.

Mark was born August 28, 1966, and was raised by his proud parents, the late James Harold Bowman and Bobbie Sue Stevens Bowman. As a child in a military family, life was rarely still. Alongside his siblings [Bayron (Chris) Botkin of Vacaville, CA, Regena Murphy of Cookeville, TN, Johnny (Penny) Bowman of Monterey, TN, Joey (Angie) Bowman of Ward, AR, and Candy (Aaron) Degnan of Jacksonville, FL], Mark travelled all across the United States. Each new Permanent Change of Station (PCS) brought new landscapes, friends, and stories. In those formative years of constant movement, Mark developed the qualities that would define him: a friendly spirit, a servant’s heart, and a deep desire to help others.

Following in the footsteps of the life he knew, Mark continued his own service in the military. Later, he worked in construction and logging, jobs that reflected both his strength and his willingness to do the hard work others might shy away from. No matter where life planted him, Mark had a way of building more than structures- he built community by gathering people around him and turning friends into family wherever he landed.

He was a father to the late Gerald Smith, Wesley “Cooter” (Holly) Smith, Brad Wilson, Logan Bowman, Jada Bowman, and Austin Bowman, all of Monterey, TN. He leaves behind cherished grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews who were honored to call him Uncle Mark. To many, he was more than a relative- he was a storyteller, a helper, and a reminder that love does not require perfection.

Mark’s life was not without struggle. His battles were real, and at times they created distance between him and those he loved most. Yet even in his hardships, his heart remained tender toward God and toward the youth. His compassion led him to encourage others who wrestled with addiction, because he understood the weight of those chains. Though he often felt defeated, he never stopped believing in the grace that could set a person free.

Today, Mark rests in that grace. He knew without a shadow of doubt that God died for our sins and that mercy triumphs over failure. He is now welcomed Home- not only into the presence of his Savior, but into the embrace of his mother, father, grandparents, and his beloved son Gerald.

If you are battling addiction or facing struggles that feel too heavy to carry, please reach out for help.

Rest in peace, our beloved brother, father, uncle, and friend. Your story continues in the hearts of all who love you.

No services are scheduled at this time; a Celebration of Life is being planned for a later date.

Arrangements and Care provided by D.M. Goff Funeral Home, Inc., 205 East Cleveland Avenue, Monterey, Tennessee 38574, Phone, 931.839.2311.