William H. Bowles

WILLIAM H. BOWLES, JR. (GROOTEGOED See BOWLES), formerly of Akron, passed away on July 3, 2012 at UHHS Geauga Hospital. He was born on May 22, 1927 in Akron, OH where he lived most of his life. The oldest child of two deaf parents, he soon became the ears for his hard-working, devoted parents. William, along with his wife, Wilma Rose Huffman were proficient in sign language, and would often act as interpreters for the deaf community.He married his childhood sweetheart, Wilma Rose Huffman on September 7, 1943 before graduating from Hower High School. He completed his high school education while serving in the military. He served in the U.S. Army from 1945 from 1946 and the Army Air Corps from 1946 to 1947. He was a member of the American Legion Post 449 in Kenmore. Upon his honorable discharge in 1947, he returned to Akron, enrolled and graduated from the Barberton School of Commerce with a degree in accounting. He pursued his dream of becoming a salesman for Akron’s finest rubber companies. He began his career in sales at Seiberling Rubber Co., soon being promoted to Sales Manager. He moved to Cleveland working as the National Sales Manager for the Paine and Williams Co., selling automobile floor mats. His career in sales returned him to Akron where he was employed as National Sales Manager of Ace Rubber Products and later National Acoounts Sales Manager for Mohawk tire and Rubber Company. He was a devoted husband and father. His hobbies included following the local sports teams, especially OSU and the Cleveland Indians, and reading. William is survived by his daughters, Lorena (Jim) Henderson and Wilma (Bob) Grootegoed, and son, William; grandsons, Scott McColm, Tim McColm, Robert (fiance Kim Walsh)Grootegoed, William J. Bowles, Jr., and Jarrod (Deanna) Bowles; great grandchildren, Jeremy, Sarah Lynn, Brianna Rose, and Jarrod. He is preceded in death by parents, William and Norma (Saatkamp) Bowles; his wife, Wilma; infant son, James; grandson, Edwin Bowles and brother, Joseph Bowles. Private burial will be in Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery, Rittman, OH. Memorial contributions are suggested to Burton Healthcare Activities Dept. or Hospice of the Western Reserve, 17876 St. Claire Ave., Cleveland, Ohio 44110. The family would like to thank both Burton Healthcare and Hospice of the Western Reserve for all their wonderful care.