Born in San Antonio, TX on August 3, 1940, to Kenneth and Madeline Bowling, Kenny was the youngest of 3 children. His older sisters Sandra Bishop and Beverly Weddle suffered his teasing from the time he could walk.

At age 7, the family moved to a small farm in Napolean, MO, where Kenny attended Ish School, a one room school housing 8 grades.  As he approached third grade after being alone in first and second, Kenny skipped third grade and went right to 4th.

In 1957, Kenny graduated from Odessa HS.  While in school he worked various jobs, bought a herd of sheep, a tractor, sold wool and did custom mowing.  Graduating at age 17, he found himself at the carpenters union looking for work at his cousins recommendation.  A career was born.

In 1960 he married Carol Kreisel, and a year later their only child, Kevin was born. Leading men was a trait that saw Kenny get promoted within his company several times and eventually led him and his brother in law, Buck Kreisel to go into business themselves.

In 1976 Kenny moved his family to Stone County and started Ken Bowling Construction. In the last 49 years that company thrived enough to allow Kenny to achieve 2 of his lifelong dreams—own another John Deere Tractor and raise Hereford Cattle.

His many charities included Shriners Hospital for crippled children, the elks, and anyone needing a hand up.

He served as president of the chamber in 1981, Presiding Judge of Stone County from 83 to 87, and was also on the original board of the Ozark Marketing council.

He leaves behind Kevin and his wife, Kari of Green Forest, grandchildren, Erica Blansit and her spouse, Benjamin Bendall, Kael Bowling and Spencer, and Emilee Blansit. Grandchildren Hazel, Lawson and Nova, as well as many nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m., Saturday, May 31, 2025, at the New Testament Christian Church, Reeds Spring, MO.  The service will begin at 11:00 a.m., at the New Testament Christian Church.  Burial will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery, on Hwy 76 east of Silver Dollar City. Branson, MO. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to the Shell Knob Shrine Clubs Crippled Children's Fund (28149 Big Rock Rd, Shell Knob, MO 65747). Arrangements are under the direction of the Stumpff Funeral Home, Kimberling City, MO.