Steve "Sunkist" Bowling

In Loving Memory of Steve “Sunkist” Bowling 

Steven Wayne Bowling, age 71, passed away at his home in Milroy, Indiana surrounded by his beloved family on February 9, 2026. 

He was born in Hamilton, Ohio on May 18, 1954 to Kelly Bowling and Lois (Jessup) Bowling. He graduated in 1972 from Southeast High School, Ravenna, Ohio. Steve followed the family carpentry trade while in high school. After graduation he went through the union apprenticeship to become a journeyman carpenter, working his way up to become a commercial construction Director of Field Operations. He was a member of the Sunbury, OH Masonic Lodge #400. 

In September of 1996 the decision to make a skydive would change the trajectory of his life. He received the Falcon Award for freefall formations, and in 2010 he would be presented with the Gold Wing Achievement Award, representing over a thousand jumps. During this span of 14 years he went from being a student to a Jumpmaster acquiring his Instructor Rating. He held a Master Parachute License (USPA-D) and took pride in his Professional Exhibition Rating (PRO) allowing him to perform demonstration jumps. He loved to fly a flag into shows and sporting events, with the Special Olympics demo being one of his favorite memories. Skydiving became a thrill seeking bond he shared with all three of his children. 

As a self-taught guitarist at an early age, this paved the way for him to become an accomplished musician. He started playing in bands at the age of 16. Shows included high school events, local bars, and benefits spanning throughout northeast Ohio and central Indiana. He also enjoyed playing for fun with friends and family. Motorcycle riding was a past-time he enjoyed, often supporting local ABATE Regions 5 & 7. He was very proud of his Native American heritage and was given the name “Strongfeather” after meeting with elders in Cherokee, South Carolina. 

Survived by his wife, Lea (Etta England Morrow) Bowling, 2 sons: Steven W. Bowling II and Bruce Bowling, both from Milroy, IN a daughter Christina Chelsie Love (Bowling), of Homer, IN, and step-son Jason Stafford of Deerfield, OH, 2 brothers: Larry (Brenda) Bowling of Ontario, OH, Mark (Kim) Bowling of Rushville, IN, 2 sisters: Valorie (Bill) Marker of Atwater, OH, Vicki (Troy) Herbert of Milroy, IN. He was the proud grandfather of 4 grandchildren: Jaxon Linville, 21, Maddux Love, 17, Kelley Bowling, 10, and Kyrah Bowling, 4, along with 14 nephews & nieces: Larry II, Jeremiah, Tony, Luke, Jesse, Lori, Morgan, Madison, Shawneene, Liz, Courtney, Tiffany, Natasha, and Samantha. 

He was preceeded in death by his mother and father, Kelly and Lois (Jessup) Bowling. 

Steve could always make people laugh and shake their heads with his jokes and stories, which is how he wanted to be remembered. He requested there to be no funeral services, but for “everyone to party” instead. A celebration of life will be announced at a later date.