John

Bowling, Jr.

John Bowling, Jr. of Essie, Kentucky was born December 15, 1961 in Leslie County to the late John and Reatha Whitehead Bowling.  

John could be described as a man who loved life, and lived a life full of love.  A devoted husband, a cherished dad, a proud and supportive papaw, beloved brother, and friend.  He was united in marriage to Kathy Beatty Collett on July 07, 2007.  Together, they built a relationship of love and dedication to one another, and to each other's family.

By occupation, John worked as a carpenter for Clifton Morgan Construction.  He dedicated more than 30 years of building homes, and running machinery. This wasn't just a job to him, it was a big part of his life, and truly a passion that he took great pride in.

When John wasn't working, he was living a full life;  Whether it was making knives, going to the dirt track races, participating in tractor pulls, or being outdoors enjoying the nature surrounding his cabin, he was right were he wanted to be.  While these were things he enjoyed, he always made time for a ride on his Harley Davidson.  He loved his bike and all things Harley Davidson; never passing up a visit to a Harley Davidson store.  John was also a known - seasoned cook, especially for his chicken & dumplings, biscuits & gravy, and other great country recipes.

John had a true heart for the young people of Leslie County, and Leslie County Sports.  He was an avid fan of all ages, ranging from grade school to high school.  If there was a sporting event in Leslie County, John was always there rooting on the Eagles and showing his Eagle pride!  Many times preparing meals for the players before games.  Any way he could support the team, he was always there to lend a helping hand. 

John experienced serious health issues that hindered him for nearly two years.  Although he was sick and bound, he was strong, and courageous. His perseverance was evident in his daily living, still attending church when he was able, and of course, being on the side lines of his beloved Eagles.

On Friday morning, November 13, 2026, John departed this earthly walk of life.  John Bowling, Jr. was 64 years old. 

In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his brother, Graydon Bowling, and two sisters, Eileen Sheldon, and Kathy French.

Left behind to cherish his memory is his loving & devoted wife - Kathy Bowling of Essie, KY; two daughters - Amanda Bowling Harris of Essie, KY, and Nyoka Bowling (Eric) of Sturgis, KY; one son - Andrew Bowling (Josie) of Essie, KY; two stepsons - Jason Collett (Stephanie) of Hazard, KY, and Josh Collett (Amanda) of Wooton, KY; three sisters - Fern Morgan of London, KY, Geneva Gross of Yeaddiss, KY, and Susan Bowling of Essie, KY; his cherished grandchildren - Isaac Bowling, Jacob Bowling, Jared Bowling, Jaxon Bowling, Zayne Bowling, Kate Bowling, Reed Bowling, Paxton Collett, Caiden Collett, Asher Collett, Sophia Collett, Riley Collett, Jayden Collett, and Milli Collett; a cherished great grandson - Hudson Bowling; John's two dearest friends - Johnny Gilbert and James Bowling, both of Stinnett, KY.  A host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends also survive.

The funeral service for John Bowling, Jr. will be held at 12 noon - Monday, November 16, 2026 at Wolfe & Sons Funeral Home chapel with Rev. Roger Wolfe officiating.

Interment will follow the service at the Bowling Family Cemetery at Essie, KY with Andrew Bowling, Jacob Bowling, Isaac Bowling, Eric Bowling, Shane Bowling, Jason Collett, Josh Collett, and Bill Morgan serving as pallbearers. 

Friends and family may gather for visitation from 6p.m. until 9 p.m., Sunday evening, November 15th at the Wolfe & Sons Funeral Home. 

Arrangements are being handled carefully under the direction of Wolfe & Sons Funeral Home