Kenneth Michael Bowlby

Kenneth Michael Bowlby, 76, passed away on February 10, 2026, in Harrison, Arkansas. He was born on July 11, 1949, in Seattle, Washington to Lee Bowlby and Jean Loretta Quackenbush. He is preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Robert Lee Bowlby and Jack Eugene Quackenbush; and his daughter in law, Melissa Bowlby.

Ken is survived by his sisters, Lilly (Bowlby) Watson and her husband Mike of Yakima, Washington, and Debbie (Bowlby) Mackey and her husband Mark of Berryville, Arkansas. He leaves behind his children, who were the pride of his life: Paul Bowlby of Harrison, Arkansas; Jeremy Lee Bowlby of Green Forest, Arkansas; Jason Edward Bowlby of Moscow, Idaho; and Tonya (Bowlby) Fitzpatrick of Bremerton, Washington.

He was a proud grandfather to McKenzie (Austin) Allen, Sheyenne (Andre) Jorden, Dwayne (Dillon) Dawson, Edison Grace and Holly Thompson, Dallas Sharp, Hailey (Ty) Albrecht, Brandon (Courtney) Bowlby, Tia’Janae Rogers and Cody Townson, Taniya Rogers and RJ Aguon, Mykayla Bowlby, Cameron (Alicia) Bowlby, and Trinity Fitzpatrick. His joy only grew with his great‑grandchildren: Kinslee Bowlby, Walker Allen, Kenneth Brooks Allen, Amari Jorden, Marcus Jorden, Malik Jorden, Raelynn Dawson, Charleigh Dawson, Naomi Dawson, Jordyn Rogers, Drew Cooper Jr., Ma’Layiah Rogers, and Rowan Bowlby.

Ken lived a life defined by hard work, humor, and heart. He spent 20 years as an automobile body mechanic, a trade he took great pride in. He later worked for Tyson Foods in Green Forest for five years and honorably served his country in the United States Army for four years. An entrepreneur at heart, he also owned and operated his own bait shop, Off the Hook Worms, where he enjoyed swapping stories as much as selling bait.

Outside of work, Ken found joy in the simple things that made life rich. He loved hunting, fishing, and collecting coins. He never missed an episode of Tradio, and he was known far and wide for his quick wit and jokester spirit. If you were around Ken, you were guaranteed a laugh. He will be remembered for his humor, his stubborn strength, his deep love for his family, and the countless memories he leaves behind.

Celebration of Life service will be 11 AM, Friday, February 20, 2026, at Smith Family Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Fair Grove Cemetery. Visitation will be prior to the service from 10-11AM. Military honors will be provided by U.S. Army Honor Guard, American Legion Post 9 Honor Guard, and Warriors Watch Riders of NWA. Online condolences can be made at smithfamilyfuneralhome.net.

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