Jerry Parker Bowman

Jerry was born in Springfield, Missouri on January 15, 1927 to Walter Blaine Bowman and Opal (May) Bowman of Everton, Missouri. He and Augusta Aileen Yount were married on January 6, 1946 in Girard, Kansas. They had two children, Jerry Lynn, born May 30, 1947 in Springfield, Missouri and Linda Jean born February 11, 1952 in Ottawa, Kansas. He is predeceased by his brother Robert, wife Aileen, and son Jerry. He leaves behind daughter Linda Bowman-Borgman of Monterey and grandsons Matthew and Jerry Lynn Jr.

Jerry was drafted into the Army in November, 1945 and was stationed at Fort Ord. He was honorably discharged on February 3, 1947, and returned to Kansas, but his time in California had made an impression. Aileen loved the cool, crisp air of the Monterey Bay and always wanted to return someday. Her mother Minnie also lived in Chino, California, further inspiring the family’s eventual move to the Bay Area.

In 1949, Jerry partnered with his brother Robert to open their first Dairy Queen restaurant, growing their business to multiple locations. Jerry later opened his own store in Ottawa, Kansas and added a burger business next door named Burgerteria.

Jerry and Aileen moved to Redwood City, California in 1964 and it wasn’t long before Jerry scouted out a location to build a new Dairy Queen. The DQ on Woodside Road in Redwood City became a beloved neighborhood restaurant, thanks to Jerry’s warm Midwestern hospitality and tireless work ethic. Many Sequoia and Woodside High School kids worked for Jerry and had fond memories of him and “The Queen”.

Aileen’s health began to decline in the late 1980s and Jerry retired from his business to help care for her. She passed away on May 17, 1990 in Walnut Creek where they had recently moved to be closer to daughter Linda and her husband Ron Borgman, and ultimately followed them to Monterey, where he joined the community at Merrill Gardens.

Jerry’s unflappable nature and positive attitude about life won him the nickname “The Zen Master” in the Borgman family. He was a sunny, beloved presence at family gatherings. Well into his nineties, he would enthusiastically tell people who asked how he was doing, “Every day just gets better!”

One of Jerry’s enduring passions was taking epic road trips. He drove solo to Arkansas and back to visit his relatives—first in his little Toyota pickup truck, and eventually in a much more comfortable Lexus SUV. These long-distance treks were a ritual until Jerry was in his 80’s. He’d also happily make long single-day drives that he called “round-trippers” to the Gold Country for visits and fun.

Jerry also had the good fortune to travel the world. He enjoyed trips to Hawaii, Alaska, Australia, Mexico, the Caribbean, Panama Canal, South America, Canada and Germany. Wherever he went, he took his trademark sunshine and good spirits with him.

The Bowman-Borgman family is forever grateful for the loving care Jerry received from the nursing angels at Hospice of the Central Coast, who cared for Jerry until his passing: Bianca, Dedra, and Jerry as well as his daily caregivers Nidia Neblina and Jennifer Jacob of The Key.

Jerry will be laid to rest at Alta Mesa Memorial Park in Palo Alto, California joining Aileen.

Charitable donations in Jerry's name can be made to Hospice Giving Foundation, 80 Garden Court, Suite 201, Monterey, CA. 93940