Just want to say thank you. Thank you for being unapologetically authentically you. Although you were a serious man whose presence commanded attention you were kind with a side of silly. I still laugh at being pranked by you and Annie, never looked at a scavenger hunt the same. Thank you for showing us how to make a difference in our neighborhood and the importance of giving back (each one teach one), for retreats and life skills. Thank you for calls to say be ready…we had no idea where we were going, but we trusted you… then we ended up with you and Ms Sue at church. Thank you and Ms Sue for cold pickles. Thank you for pushing me beyond my potential. I am forever grateful to God for you.

-Lakeasha Malvo Carter

Back in the day, before we would fly down the highway to Chester, PA. Donnie would call the State Police and give them the description of the car with license plate number to let them know we would be exceeding the speed limit. And they never stopped us. Sue would be chanting over and over, 'I know we going to die in a car crash cause Donnie drives too fast.' On this one particular drive, there was a crash in front of us, Donnie slammed on the brakes, Sue jumped from the back seat and grabbed Donnie's head, with her hands covering his eyes. I'm shouting, 'Sue, he can't see, he can't see!' Paul Bunyon (Cool hand Luke) said Sue, 'take your hands off his eyes, he can't see.' And she did. Thankfully we were able to continue our journey. Even though we didn't have God on our minds, we were on his!

-Love The Statum Family

I knew since I was in elementary in New Jersey. Always speaking words of affirmation over me since we met. From my involvement with SLOT and now, you have a mentor that evolved into being an Uncle. You were there to support, encourage, and tell me the truth. I remember us taking SLOT trip to Canada and being stopped due to having a Jamaican passport. I was so nervous but then you came with the jokes for the experience to not be ruined. You were right there making sure that I was good. He would always introduce me and then tell everyone about my accomplishments with so much pride and joy. Thank you for always being there for me; even during some difficult moments of my life. I am truly grateful and honored that I had a great mentor, friend, and Uncle like you.

-Leesha Brady

No Words. Just Love!

-The Goodwine’s

I remember when I was younger and Mom Sue brought me to the house to give me a Jerry curl and Uncle Donnie came in with his great stature and said “looking good” and that just made my day because at the time I was struggling with feeling ugly and that whole experience of this dynamic duo began the change of how I saw myself.

-Debbie Merisca

I knew your father in the '70s-80s when I was a community organizer in New Brunswick. He was on the police force; possibly community relations. I worked closely with Ms. Erlene Jones, Ivory Braswell, Bertha Buchanan, and so many others. Donnie was upholding the law and I was walking right up to that line with the numerous marches and demonstrations I was part of. Yet, Donnie was always respectful, firm, and listened. He was a fine man then and thanks to FB we regained contact. I am deeply saddened to learn of your father's passing. His life was a gift to the entire human family. Blessings.

-Quentin Smith

Pop pop will surely be missed. His presence would light up a room. I will cherish every conversation, memory, and hug exchanged. Pop pop was a walking book and he always had countless stories to tell. May his life’s story remain a beacon of hope and provide comfort to those impacted by his earthly departure.

-Crystal Scarborough

It is never easy, no matter the age, to lose a love one. Cousin Donnie, as he is affectionately called by his Plummer-Watkins relatives, has been the patriarch of our family for many years. He assumed this role, unbeknownst to him, not because he was the oldest male in the family but because he demonstrated a strong sense of commitment to his extended family in preserving our family legacy and keeping us together and staying connected. He has been instrumental in organizing our family reunions for decades, including this year’s reunion. Although he was unable to attend due to his declining health, we were fortunate to visit him. In true fashion, Cousin Donnie provided us with a wealth of knowledge about our family history. He talked for hours but we absorbed every minute of it. Some of the younger relatives were in awe. Cousin Donnie was a source of strength and a role model to the men in our family and community. We are going to miss his presence, his laughter, his wisdom, his knowledge, playing spades, eating at the Golden Corral, etc. Our hearts are heavy with sadness.

-Vikki Abdus-Salaam

Going way back your dad was always trying to please your mom (Sue) while she was with child (Donna)when she was craving ice cream from honey suckle farms in Chester,Pa so he would drive from New Brunswick to Chester to get Sue some ice cream stop at my house and I would pack it for travel for his journey back to NJ. He would make it back before it would melt. That man could drive and God had His hands on him way back then. Love you Granny.

-Barbara Milbourne

Uncle Donnie and I have always had comprehensive, yet impromptu conversations that would last for hours. I knew whenever he called, he was going to impart nuggets of wisdom (which I'm eternally grateful for). I would immediately suspend whatever activity I was doing, and dedicate my full attention to his call. Although I can no longer anticipate receiving his physical phone calls, our heartfelt conversations have been indelibly etched in my heart. Uncle Donnie was our family historian, and he was always encouraging us to carry the mantle forward. This (pictured) was one of the last conversations I had with him (post-family reunion). He wispered in my ear and shared his vision for my part in preserving the family history and integrity. He said he enjoyed watching me grow (from this rambunctious-precocious and mouthy little hellfire) and mature into the perfect mixture of my parents. My father's love of family and my mother's generous heart & outspoken spunk. In addition, my grandmothers & auntie taught me the ways of being a woman virtue, to always stand for Truth (in God's word). The "Ice Breaker" ball, was something he invisioned to keep the family together thru conversations. He said "keep the family conversations going" using this ball as a symbol to remember. Uncle Donnie, I will do my best to continue the mission that I watched you, my mom, and aunt Goldie bring to fruition to honor "our family legacy" with love Amy~

-Amy Howard Boyd

There are so many things I can say about Mr. Donald Bowling. He was so many things to so many of us. He was a husband, father, God fearing, police detective, advisor, community leader and A Model Man. As one of his Model Students, he told me that I AM SOMEBODY! He taught us the value of an education, hard work and goal setting. He helped guide me spiritually by living an example pleasing to God. For many of us he was the dad that many of us needed in our lives. Thank you Mrs. Bowling and family for sharing him with us. He will be greatly missed.

-Kevin Felton

I have always called Donald Bowling "The Don". We meet at First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens, Somerset, NJ in the 80's where at the time he and his wife Sue served. The Don and I also served on the Board of Directors for the God Squad in New Brunswick, NJ. As a human service organization that provided food, clothing and shelter for individuals and families in need, Don played a key role in the management, planning and success of the God Squad.
Don was an exceptional leader in law enforcement, community service and in Church at First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens, Somerset, NJ and Abundant Life Family Worship Church, New Brunswick, NJ. Don lived a life of public service and caring for others. Don had the ability to plan and execute on many different projects at the same time, but his desire to serve others was the driving force of his being. Even after Don retired and relocated to Wake Forest, North Carolina he continued to serve others, and formed and managed "The New Jersey Chat and Chew." A fellowship of individuals from the state of New Jersey that retired and relocated to North Carolina and meet with Don and Sue once a month to catch up, and Chat and Chew at some of his favorite restaurants with the Olive Garden and Golden Coral being a couple of his favorite places.
A good and faithful servant is one that pleases God in what they do and who they are. Don, you have done so much for so many people, that's just who you are.

Well done, good and faithful servant Donald "The Don" Bowling.

-Rev. Dr. Lester Shelley

“One of the greatest gifts I’ve ever gotten came from God. I call him Daddy. It isn’t flesh & blood but the heart that makes us father & daughter. When my father didn’t have my hand he had my back. When I’m at my best I am my father’s daughter.” I will forever love, respect & deeply appreciate you Daddy.

-Tracey Hindorf

My life has always been centered around a focus, vision and reason. When I was in 4th grade, we a had a “show and tell day” and Donna brought her dad. I remember vividly, this big tall officer walked in the classroom and begin speaking with great posture and articulation and it startled me. As he continued encouraging us to stay focus and committed to life and that we can achieve anything we set our minds to do, I grasped hold to every word he said and thus my journey began. Before he left, he said. “Don’t forget, I’m a cop and I will be watching you”. And from that day I lived my life and made sure I stayed inline because I knew Pop bowling was watching me. No matter how successful I’ve become, it meant nothing until you responded via text or social media. Thank you, Sir for watching me. And I know as an angel of God, you will continue doing the same🥲❤️🙏🏾

-Earl Jenkins

My Big Brother!
My role model, my hero, my confidant. One of my favorite moments was working with you at New Brunswick P.D. Though I was a civilian, I was no less proud to be your little brother. Back in the early 90's, I attended a convocation with you at Saint Peter's High School. When we arrived at the convocation, the school's Administration was visibly upset. You asked questions and quickly learned that the Keynote Speaker for the convocation was a "no show". The Keynote address was scheduled to be 45 minutes and everyone was scrambling to resolve their dilemma. Donnie told the Administration, "introduce me as the Keynote Speaker. I got this." You went to the podium and captivated an audience of students, administrators and city officials for nearly an hour. I often thought to myself, How great must one be to hold the attention of so many with no rehearsal, notes or teleprompter. Proud little brother moment. I had the pleasure of fulfilling my dreams of a Law Enforcement Career and everyday I used Donnie Bowling as my watermark for excellence. You have left an amazing legacy and I am proud to say that I am a Bowling. There is a hole in my heart that may never be filled but the challenge is to move forward. YOU would have it no other way.. Rest well Big Brother...

-Lamont Bowling

Uncle Donnie
I’m so thankful & grateful for having you as my Uncle. I’m so glad our families didn’t just choose to be friends but family 🥰❤️ You were a gift from God. My life was definitely made the better by you being a part of it every step of the way. The good, the struggles & everything in between… You blessed my life in such a way that I would be listing them forever… Thank you!!! 😘❤️ I’m missing you physically 😢😢😢but keeping you with me in my heart, always ❤️❤️❤️ I’m gonna miss our popcorn moments 😂😢🥰I’m praying for you & with you family. I love you 🙏🏽😢❤️

-Rhonda Taylor

I knew Don way before I joined the force with him. I admired him as a young man. When I was able to work with him on the force and see the time he spent with others, it made me a better man. There are no words to express how he moulded many young pp to what they are today. Don you are the one and only. God bless your soul and your family.

-Michael Carroll

My deepest sympathy in the loss of your beloved Earthly King, Husband, Father and grandfather ... to those who cherished him, our beloved New Brunswick Police Officer, Detective we honor you and salute you Mr. Donald Bowling 💔 we the Blount Family thank you !!! I'm sure, that God's Choicest Blessings have already greeted you... looking to see you again
For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.
2 Corinthians 5:1

For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we that are alive, that are left unto the coming of the Lord, shall in no wise precede them that are fallen asleep.
1 Thessalonians 4

- Ora Blount Boyer

I remember when I lived in Wake Forest and went to Walmart.It seemed like everytime I went I would run into him riding the motorized cart.

One day at church after he came back from a trip he greeted me.I would ask where he went this time.He would show that big a smile and say where he went.Then, he told me he was going to drive until he couldn’t anymore.

Thankful that I did get to come visit him last year and he was himself.

What I remember most is going to visit him after church with my husband.

He had a lot of wisdom and he shared it.
I will miss him.

- Lyle Obie

Donnie was a great influence in my life. We didn’t talk much. But when we did it was profound!!

-Sherry Hawkins Hawkins