Frank Bowman

Frank Jefferson Bowman, Sr., 91, passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 7, 2026, surrounded by his loving family at Hattie's Glen Assisted Living and Memory Care in Waunakee, Wisconsin, following a long, courageous struggle with dementia. What Frank would want you to know above all else is that he absolutely loved living life. He was a man of deep faith as one of Jehovah's Witnesses; for several years he served as a caring elder in both the Pennsylvania and Flatlands congregations. He held a deep love for his spiritual brothers and sisters, including the North congregation in Madison. Frank was a devoted husband to his loving wife of 30 years, Peggy, and was a dedicated father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, and dear friend to many.

When you live nearly a century, your life becomes a beautiful tapestry woven with countless blessings and diverse experiences. Born in Baltimore, Maryland on May 26, 1935, to George Stewart and Ella Bowman, Frank was raised by his loving grandparents, James and Claudia Stewart. Growing up, he knew the heavy hardships of segregation and the indignity of being barred from designated water fountains. Yet, he also knew the pure joys of a vibrant childhood, working hard as young as eight years old.

His grandmother, who was full of wisdom, taught him to read before he was five, sparking a lifelong love of learning. As a boy, Frank would rush to the Enoch Pratt Free Library, where librarians always had books on plants and herbs waiting for him. When he eventually read through their entire collection, librarians pointed him toward larger libraries to feed his growing passion. Before long, Frank found his green thumb, pulling a wagon through his neighborhood to sell plants he had raised himself.

As a young man, Frank served in the Navy, undertaking the perilous work of removing mines post-World War II. Following his service, he settled in New York, where he raised a beautiful family. He fondly enjoyed taking fishing trips to upstate New York in his new Volkswagen van. His childhood passion blossomed into a brilliant career at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, where he worked his way up the ladder to become a Master Horticulturalist. His charisma and expertise eventually earned him a spot as a TV personality on Gardening with a Green Thumb, as well as numerous guest appearances on radio broadcasts. He became a fixture in the New York Cactus and Succulent Society, traveling across the country to document new species and curating their collection. He also shared his artistic eye by contributing detailed botanical illustrations to several publications.

Frank later relocated to Madison, Wisconsin, where he brought his talents to the local community as a bus driver for Madison Metro and continued his love of horticulture through professional landscaping. While working as a bus driver, he made numerous friends and brought a smile to all he met; it was also there that he met Peggy, a fellow driver who became his wife. Retirement only gave him more time to do what he loved. For all of his 91 years, Frank was a force of nature, known for his unmistakable laughter, his unforgettable storytelling, his beautiful gardens, and the vibrant plants he sold at the local farmers' market. He cherished his children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews, who will always fondly remember greeting him with his famous "jelly shake" handshake. He was a gifted painter who loved to spread beauty and color, a frequent speaker at garden clubs, and an avid outdoorsman. He spent countless hours fly fishing and bass fishing, always giving back by teaching others the art of the perfect cast. He also held a special affection for animals, carrying a deep love for dogs and cats throughout his life.

Frank was preceded in death by Claudia Stewart, James Stewart, George Stewart, Eleanor Bowman, Robert “Bobbie” Thompson, Steven Thompson, Richard “Ricky” Thompson, Lorraine Thompson, Frank “Frankie” Bowman Jr., Herman Franklin, Ernestine & Ferris Warrenton, Delores Warrenton, Kevin Warrenton, Kennard Miller

He is survived by his spouse Peggy Fox-Bowman; Siblings: Brenda Franklin, Jesse Thompson, Theodore (Theresa) Thompson, Kathlene Hill, Donald Thompson; Children: Jacquetta “Jackie” (Kirk) Hinton, Jeanice (Chester) Nicholas, Cynthia Boyd, Erica Bowman, Scott (Alyssa) Bowman, Lauren Bowman, Lana Fox; Grandchildren: Terrell, Evon (Shamarr), Eleanor, RaQuel, Kimberly, Tiffany, Asia, Jerrod, Elias, Marena, Lydel, Jamarr, Tearra; Kory, Kashmere, Khelani, Deleana (Roger) and many other nieces, nephews, and family. 

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at Ryan Funeral Home, 2418 N. Sherman Avenue. Visitation will be held from 12:00 p.m. until the time of service on Saturday at the funeral home.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to all of the wonderful caregivers who supported Frank throughout the years, as well as the team at Agrace Hospice for their compassionate care and support during his final days. They also extend a special thanks to Peggy's friends and family who lovingly supported both Frank and Peggy over the years in so many different ways.

To honor Frank’s incredible journey, his family asks that you live as he did: have faith, reach out to all kinds of people and find your commonalities, plant something beautiful, keep on learning, and always greet others with a smile.