W. Roger Bowness

W. Roger Bowness, age 90, of Maywood, Missouri, formerly of Eldon, Missouri, died on March 14, 2026, at his home. He was born on August 16, 1935, in Fairfax, Missouri, the son of Henry R. and Lelia Isabelle (Boone) Bowness. Roger served in the United States Army and, on May 24, 2003, married Paula Jean (Clapp) Willing, who survives him.

Roger owned and operated Bowness Auto Parts in Eldon for more than thirty years. In addition to his business, he taught seventh-grade science, worked as an auctioneer and realtor, and later retired from AutoZone in Quincy. He was a proud Mizzou alumnus who attended as many University of Missouri football and basketball games as possible. Roger was a 32nd Degree Mason and a member of the Masonic Lodge in Eldon for seventy years. He also belonged to the Kiwanis Ski Club, Lions Club, Elks Club in Quincy, and Alpha Gamma Sigma Fraternity, and he remained active in 4-H and FFA throughout his life. He found great joy in fishing, skiing, and golfing.

He is survived by his wife, Paula; his children, Rona Hogan (Bill) of Texas and Jamie O’Neal (Alex) of Quincy; grandchildren Kara Ritchie (Chris), Kylee Ford (Patrick), Kasey Hankins (Elijah), Emma Cookson (Zach), Ellie Bias (Wendell, Jr.), Shyleigh Morazzano (Michael), Easton Hoyt (Kiersten), and Xavier O’Neal; ten great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives. Roger was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings, Robert Bowness and his wife Ann, and Janice Walker and her husband Bill.

The family wishes to thank Melissa Young, nurse and dear family friend, for the compassionate care she provided Roger during his final months.