Robert Samuel "Sam" Bowman, 70, of Tiffin, passed away suddenly at home on October 9, 2026.

Sam was a man of undeniable charisma and strength who cared deeply for his friends and family. He worked too hard and worked even harder if it was for the good of a friend or family member in need. He had the capacity for both a fiery temper and a warm heart. He was a skilled worker with his hands who also loved to expand his knowledge of history and "useless facts". He was a jokester who enjoyed sarcastic one-liners. He had a soft spot for dogs and kids – and became a father figure to others when they were in need of one. He was a beloved husband, father, brother, and friend.

Born in 1956 in Detroit, MI to the late Leslie and Barbara (Mackey) Bowman, Sam was one of six siblings whom he loved and treasured including his brother, Ed, and sister Donna Jean, who proceeded him in death.

He met his surviving wife Carol (Vickers), at age 16 while he worked at his parent's truck stop in Adams Mills, Ohio where Carol delivered the newspaper. Sam and Carol eventually settled together in Tiffin where they had two sons; James, who was born in 1978 and proceeded him in death in 1995; and William, who was born in 1985.

Sam was a lifelong fan of racing and American automobiles. In 1984, with his father and brother, Ed, Sam finished the Great American Race, a vintage and antique car time-distance rally that covers 3,000 miles from Los Angeles to Indianapolis. Sam would own and work on many classic cars over the years. He also enjoyed collecting die-cast models of classic cars.

In his so-called "retirement", he was excited to welcome the birth of two granddaughters born to his son William and many grandnephews and grandnieces.

Visitation will be from 10:00 A.M. to 12:00 Noon on Tuesday, October 20, 2026 at Hoffmann-Gottfried-Mack Funeral Home & Crematory, 236 S. Washington, Tiffin, OH. A funeral service will begin at 12:00 Noon proceeded by Sam’s burial at Greenlawn Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, Seneca County Special Olympics, or to the Seneca County Humane Society.

Condolences may be sent and the guestbook signed at www.hgmackfuneralhome.com.