Phillip M. Bowsman, age 43, of Salem, passed away Monday, November 25 at St. Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis.
Phillip was born on October 21, 1976, in Salem the son of Larry and Phyllis McCracken Bowsman. He was a member of Southern Hills Church.
He was a 1995 graduate of Salem High School and a 1999 graduate of Indiana University.
Coach Bowsman began his career as a teacher and junior high basketball coach for Mitchell Community Schools.
He has been West Washington High School Head Varsity Football Coach for 19 years and Athletic Director for 7 years.
As the football coach, he led the school to three sectional titles, a regional title, and a semi-state appearance.
He was also assistant Varsity Girl’s Basketball coach when they won a sectional title in 2019.
Phillip was a leader in the Indiana Football Coaches Association.
He had served multiple times as the Region 10 Director and member of the All-State Selection Committee.
He was also a member of the National and Indiana Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association. He worked closely with the IHSAA to advance interscholastic athletics and improve the IHSAA Tournament by participating in realignment committees.
He is survived by his wife: Beth Reasor Bowsman. They were married on August 2, 1997.
He is also survived by his children: Maddie Bowsman and Holden Bowsman both of Salem, two brothers: Todd Bowsman of Salem and Bradley Bowsman (Betsy) of Monticello, his mother: Phyllis Bowsman of Salem, his mother-in-law: Judy Reasor of Salem, sisters and brothers-in-law: Heidi and Dennis Tankersley of Salem, Megan and Jason Lowe of French Lick and Sarah and Dave Colbert of Scottsburg, his grandparents-in-law: Leon and Ann Toliver of French Lick and nieces and nephews: Courtney, Ethan, Ean and Addie Bowsman, Jent, Duke and August Tankersley, Mackey and Moxon Lowe, and Olivia and Emma Colbert.
He was preceded in death by his father: Larry Bowsman, father-in-law: Dr. Darrell Reasor and brother: Jay Dee Bowsman.
Funeral services will be held Saturday at Noon at Mt. Tabor Christian Church with Dave Colbert officiating.
Burial will follow in Mt. Tabor Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday from 11 AM-8 PM and Saturday from 10 AM until the time of service at the church.
Per the request of the family, they ask that everyone wear their Senator attire both Friday and Saturday.
Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Bowsman Family Fund at any First Harrison Bank or to the West Washington Athletic Department.
