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(From Housh-Goodwin Funeral Home)On the evening of February 1, 2024, the gates of Heaven flew open, and a beautiful woman arrived. Her blue eyes bright, her auburn mane of hair flowing, and her heart bursting with love for the Lord. Melissa Margaret Grimes Bowman left this Earth, and with that left behind the bonds of cancer that had gripped her for the last three years. She handled the disease with grace, dignity and courage.
Melissa was born May 8, 1967, in Pittsburg, Kansas, to Mike and Barbara Maxfield Grimes. Barbara said from the time Melissa could talk, she never again won an argument against the spirited young lady. She grew up in Joplin, MO, and attended Memorial High School where she was a cheerleader.
Melissa graduated in 1985, the last class to graduate from Memorial High School. She studied economics and finance at Missouri Southern State University. While holding different jobs, her favorite was working at the Joplin Dealers Auto Auction, where she was the business manager from 1985-2000. Melissa loved cars and trucks and was very knowledgeable in different makes and models. She liked to go FAST! Her favorites she owned were vintage models such as a ’67 Chevelle, ‘88 Corvette, ’67 Cadillac and others such as a Jaguar, BMW, Mercedes, a Chevy Nova, a Cadillac Escalade and numerous dually pickups. If it had wheels, she could drive it – and do it better than most! Her love of cars prompted her to found Bowman Motors in 2000 in Diamond, MO.
Melissa married Bobby Bowman (who she lovingly refers to as Home Skillet) May 5, 1996, at Malfunction Junction in Carthage, MO. The couple resided east of Joplin, before moving to Sarcoxie in 2018. Their new home needed much renovation, and Melissa dove into the project like everything else she’s done in life: with hard work, determination and a stubbornness to see her vision through. She loved the cowboy and western way of life, and her home and personal style depicted that. Many people said that “no one wore a cowboy hat and boots better than Melissa.”
This strong-willed woman liked being her own boss and would step into any venture and be a risk taker. She was an entrepreneur and founded many businesses during her lifetime. But despite her energy to juggle work, ranch life, and family, she always found time to help others. She had a huge heart and was very giving. “She would do for others before she would do for herself.” She loved unconditionally. However, she had a fiery spirit, and she didn’t take crap from anyone. If provoked, Melissa could give a strong tongue-lashing to a deserving recipient!
Family came first in Melissa’s life, whether you were related by blood, or considered one of her clan. She loved Bobby unconditionally, and her daughters Chelsea and Lauren were the light of her life. She spoke often of the pride she felt in all their accomplishments.
Her belief in Christ was strong, and she didn’t hesitate to spread His word. In honor of her father Mike, Melissa founded Standing at the Cross, a Christian cowboy church east of Diamond. She was also instrumental in the establishment of The Lord’s Remuda Church in Diamond. She organized multiple bible studies throughout her life, and was conducting a bible study at St. Luke’s nursing home in Carthage, MO. She also volunteered whole-heartedly each summer at Camp Quality, an organization that supports kids with cancer.
Melissa married Bobby Bowman (who she lovingly refers to as Home Skillet) May 5, 1996, at Malfunction Junction in Carthage, MO. The couple resided east of Joplin, before moving to Sarcoxie in 2018. Their new home needed much renovation, and Melissa dove into the project like everything else she’s done in life: with hard work, determination and a stubbornness to see her vision through. She loved the cowboy and western way of life, and her home and personal style depicted that. Many people said that “no one wore a cowboy hat and boots better than Melissa.”
This strong-willed woman liked being her own boss and would step into any venture and be a risk taker. She was an entrepreneur and founded many businesses during her lifetime. But despite her energy to juggle work, ranch life, and family, she always found time to help others. She had a huge heart and was very giving. “She would do for others before she would do for herself.” She loved unconditionally. However, she had a fiery spirit, and she didn’t take crap from anyone. If provoked, Melissa could give a strong tongue-lashing to a deserving recipient!
Family came first in Melissa’s life, whether you were related by blood, or considered one of her clan. She loved Bobby unconditionally, and her daughters Chelsea and Lauren were the light of her life. She spoke often of the pride she felt in all their accomplishments.
Her belief in Christ was strong, and she didn’t hesitate to spread His word. In honor of her father Mike, Melissa founded Standing at the Cross, a Christian cowboy church east of Diamond. She was also instrumental in the establishment of The Lord’s Remuda Church in Diamond. She organized multiple bible studies throughout her life, and was conducting a bible study at St. Luke’s nursing home in Carthage, MO. She also volunteered whole-heartedly each summer at Camp Quality, an organization that supports kids with cancer.
Melissa “never met a stranger” and was a friend to everyone. She made an impact on people, even when you first met her. While we will miss her stories, her humor, her jokes, and her love, we are comforted by knowing that she lived….she packed a lot of living into her 56 years on this Earth.
Melissa is survived by her husband Bobby of the home, daughter Chelsea Sherwood (Josh) Seneca, MO, Lauren Johnson (Colton), Diamond, MO, granddaughter Alexus Sherwood, Seneca, MO, her mother Barbara Howard (David), Joplin, MO, brother Darin Grimes (Lynette), Joplin, MO, her aunt Michelle Lenz (Doug), Kansas City, MO, and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her father, Mike Grimes, her maternal grandparents Barnie & Katheryn Maxfield, and paternal grandparents Charles & Dorothy Grimes.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, February 10, at noon at the Bowman homeplace in Sarcoxie, MO. The family suggests bringing your lawn chair for seating.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to Camp Quality of the Ozarks, in care of Housh-Goodwin Funeral Home, Sarcoxie, MO. Cremation arrangements are under the personal and direction of Housh-Goodwin Funeral Home in Sarcoxie, Missouri.
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