Willard Francis Bouman

Willard F. "Bill" Bouman, born August 20, 1945, in Cleveland, OH passed away peacefully October 22, 2026, in Cleveland, TN. He grew up in North Olmsted Falls, OH.

After leaving high school in 1961 he joined GM training center. In 1963, following the passing of his father, Bill enlisted in the United States Navy where he served with dedication on the USS Tinosa, USS Cavalla, USS Grouper, and USS Sea Robin. He served honorably until June 1969.

Following his military service Bill started his family with his loving wife Emma "Kathy" and his career in elevator maintenance. After 35 years in the elevator industry, he retired from Otis Elevator in July 2005. Throughout his life he lived in Norwich, CT, Jackson, Muskegon, and Fenton, MI, before moving to Tennessee in October 2022. Aside from his professional life, Bill enjoyed spending winters traveling with Kathy on boats with friends, having campfires, and nature in general, often being heard saying "How could anyone look at nature and not believe in God?". Throughout his life Bill was a devoted member of St. Augustine Catholic Church and St. Therese of Lisieux Catholic Church, a life member of LOL Archery Club, a member of Alcoholics Anonymous and the USS Haddo Base of the United States Submarine Veteran Holland Club. His all-time favorite past time was shopping at Harbor Freight.

Bill is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Kathy Bouman, and their daughter Heidi (Rick) Elmer. He cherished being a grandfather to Zachary (Charlotte) Jones, Curtis Jones, Chris (Emily) Elmer, and Lindsey Jones. Bill also delighted in the lives of his great-grandchildren: Harper, Journey, Rose Jones, and James Elmer. He is also survived by his brother-in-law, Josef Schmidt, Goddaughters, Cindy Brown, Heather March-Nicolla, and Sabrina Laphem, the extended families of Jeff and Candi Soriano, Victor Helm, best friend Jim Lowe, special friend Teresa McDaniels, and many other friends and loved ones.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents Raymond and Ella Frances Bouman; sisters Dorothy March and Rae Marie Schmidt; brother-in-law Edward S. March and nephew Edward R. March.

Bill will be remembered for his fun-loving nature and the warmth he brought to his family and friends. Following his wishes, he will be cremated with visitation to be held at 10:00 am and Funeral Mass to be held at 11:00 am at St. Augustine Catholic Church. A luncheon to follow.

There will also be a Memorial Mass, date to be later announced, at St. Therese of Lisieux Catholic Church in Cleveland, TN.  Inurement will be held at Chattanooga National Cemetery in Chattanooga, TN, with full military honors at a later date.

In lieu of flowers the family asks you to please consider donations to www.ewtn.com; www.staugustinehowell.com; alexslemonade.org, or a charity of your choice.