Paul Vernis Bowden

Paul Vernis Bowden, 95, of Jonesboro, passed away on Friday, June 26, 2020 at the Flo and Phil Jones Hospice House. He was born in Black Oak, Arkansas, to the late Jake and Edna Bowden. Paul was a member of the First Baptist Church in Jonesboro, Arkansas. He grew up in Mangrum and graduated from Caraway High School. In 1949, he married Melba Nelson and moved to St. Louis, Missouri. Paul retired from a career at Laclede Natural Gas and owned a small grocery store.  He loved to golf and fish, but most all, he loved his family. Paul is preceded in death by his parents; Melba, his wife of fifty years; his son, Richard Allen Bowden; his second wife, Peggy; one sister, Evelyn Jo Ashley Barham; three brothers, JT Bowden, Junior Lee Bowden and Rueben Bowden.

Survivors include his daughter, Paula Poag of Manila; one brother, Harold Bowden of Hardy; grandchildren, Tina Poag McMechen (Matthew), Paul Scott Poag (Rachel), and Richard Michael Bowden (Sarah). Great-grandchildren include Vivian, Harrison, Laura, Mason, Taylor, Claire, Bella, and Jake.

Visitation will be from 1:00-2:00 p.m., Monday, June 29, 2020 at Emerson Funeral Home. Don Martin will officiate at 2:00 p.m. Burial will follow at Caraway Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Mike Ashley, Robin Ashley, Matthew McMechen, and Kenneth Starnes.  Emerson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

The family requests in lieu of flowers that donations can be made to the Butterfly House, P.O. Box 1132, Manila, Arkansas 72442 or to Flo and Phil Jones Hospice House, 1148 E. Matthews, Jonesboro, Arkansas 72401.

Because of COVID 19 guidelines, facemasks must be worn during the visitation.  A maximum of 75 persons will be allowed in the building at any given time.