Rex A. Bowling

Mr. Bowling died Sunday, Oct. 24, 2004, at his home.

He was born Jan. 23, 1947, in Ottawa, the son of Norman Glenn and Shirley J. Sellers Bowling. He was a lifelong resident of Ottawa and graduated from Ottawa High School in 1965. He was also trained by Kansas Sheriff’s Assn.

Mr. Bowling served in the U.S. Air Force as an air traffic controller from Oct. 28, 1965, to July 4, 1969, attaining the rank of sergeant. He served in the Vietnam War. He worked in law enforcement for 30 years, serving 25 years as Franklin County sheriff. He retired as sheriff on Jan. 1, 2001, and began work as an assistant funeral director for Dengel & Son Mortuary in Ottawa. He was a member of Sacred Heart Church in Ottawa.

He married Mary Beth Santarpia on April 17, 1971. She survives, of the home.

Other survivors include his parents, Ottawa; two sons, Blaine and Ryan, both of Ottawa; and two brothers, Charles N. and Gary L., both of Ottawa.

Friends may call from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. today and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday at Dengel & Son Mortuary. A rosary will be said at 7 p.m. Thursday at the church, where the family will receive friends at 7:30 p.m. Thursday.

The family suggests memorials to the church or B. Martin Peck Animal Shelter, sent in care of the mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa 66067.

E-mail condolences may be sent to dengelmortuary@sbcglobal.net.