The funeral service for John Austin Bowden, Jr. will be 2:30 p.m., Saturday, December 16, at Riverwood Family, with burial in Riverwood Memorial Park. Visitation is from 1:30 p.m. until the time of service.

John A Bowden Jr. passed from this life December 7, 2023, at the age of 96. 

He was born September 8, 1927.  He enlisted in the United States Navy Reserves September 1, 1944, just a few days short of being 17. 

He proudly served his country and retired a Master Chief (E-9) after 24 years of service. He was a decorated veteran of WWII, Korean War and the Vietnam War. 

He worked for the Social Security Administration in Jackson and transferred to the Brookhaven office in the summer of 1975. 

Upon his retirement from the SSA, he enjoyed his leisure time grooming his yard, planting his garden and auctioneering as well as woodworking and trips to the Great Smokey Mountains. 

He was a man known by multiple names, "John", "Daddy", "Pappy", "Poppa John" and "Uncle Buddy" and will be missed by many. 

He is preceded in death by his mother and father, his first wife, Mary Bowden, his son, John Bowden III, his sister Joyce Oakes and brother Harold Bowden. 

His survivors are his wife, Rose Carolyn Bowden; his daughters Lee Moore (Carroll), Terry Collura (Don),Wanda Melton (Carlos),

Son, Stevie Yoas (Lee Laurie), 10 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.  

The family would like to especially thank Aston Court in McComb and all their employees for adopting him and his wife, Kaiki, into their compassionate and loving family and 

also extend a special thank you to COMPASSUS of McComb.