HERKIMER - Howard C. Bowman, 78, of Midtown Apartments, passed away on Monday evening, April 17, 2006, in his home. He had the comfort of his loving family at his side. He was born Oct. 3, 1927, in Herkimer, son of the late Ebert S. and Mina Edith Hughes Bowman. A lifelong Herkimer resident, he was a graduate of Herkimer High School. For many years he was a supervisor at Mohawk Data Sciences, and for 10 years he owned and operated the Mohawk Valley Wild Kingdom. Howard had a strong belief in God and was a member of the Christ Episcopal Church, Herkimer. He had a love for the outdoors and nature, and will always be remembered as a straightforward, sincere man. He was happiest when he was with his many friends and family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Surviving are four daughters, Connie and her husband Dale Gross of Middleville, Ellen and her husband David Heller of Ilion, Laurie Bowman of Frankfort and Beverly Bowman of Ilion; four sons, Howard K. and his wife Ruth Ann Bowman of Schuyler, Peter and his wife Lisa Bowman of Mohawk, James Bowman of Herkimer and Kenneth Bowman of Kansas; one sister, Addie Brower of Ilion; 12 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren, several nieces, nephews, cousin, a special friend and neighbor, Sharon of Midtown Apartments and Lynn Miller, who assisted him over the last two years. Besides his parents, a daughter, Gayle Lynn Bowman, and four brothers, Jacob, Ebert, Maynard and Francis Bowman, preceded him in death. Funeral service and interment will be private and at the convenience of the family. The family wishes to express gratitude to Melissa Bouton of Senior Health Network and Dr. Samir Desai for the kindness and care shown to Howard and his family during his illness. Funeral arrangements are with Fenner Funeral Home Inc., Herkimer. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the American Heart Association or the American Cancer Society. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.