Joseph was born November 4, 1931 to Harry and Ida” Bowman in Tacoma, Washington. The family moved to the “Oliver Ranch” between John Day and Prairie City when he was about four years old, and later to the “Laycock Ranch. Joe started school at the Bellshaw School between John Day and Mt. Vernon. He then moved to Mt. Vernon where he grew up.

In 1950, he married Lula Hickerson. They had one son Robert A., and later the marriage ended in a divorce. Joe was a partner in the Grant County Cleaners and Laundry with Carol Rose. On July 31, 1950 Joe entered the United States Air Force and was discharged on 31 August of 1953 he was honorably discharged with a Permanent Disability Retired Certificate. In 1961 he joined the American Legion and remained a member for 57 years at Milwaukie American Legion Post 180.

In December 2007, Joe married Diane E. Nordhagen in Milwaukie, Oregon and lived there the rest of his life. Joe passed on the 30th of September 2018 with his family present in their home. He was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers, two sisters and a long-time friend and partner Marcella Eng. He is survived by his wife Diane, son Robert and wife Annette, step daughter Debbie and husband George Fortin, three grandchildren, step daughter Oyln Capelle, and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral Arrangements are being held by Omega Funeral and Cremation Service. On October 17, 2018 a viewing will be held from 9AM to 11 AM at Omega Funeral and Cremation Service, 223 SE 122d, Portland, Oregon (503-231-6030). Funeral services will be held at 12 PM at Willamette National Cemetery, Portland, Oregon (503-273-5250). A Memorial will be held at 1:30 PM at American Legion Post 180, 2146 SE Monroe, Milwaukie, Oregon (503-659-1300).