John Bowler

John Reginald Bowler died on the morning of November 28th, 2025, at his residence in West Des Moines, Iowa, at the age of 78. John was born on the 27th of August, 1947, in Bedford, England, to Marjorie May Stapleton and Reginald Bowler. He was proud of the association with John Bunyan, who wrote The Pilgrim's Progress while incarcerated in Bedford County Gaol on the bridge over the river Ouse.

John grew up attending Sunday School at the parish of St. Michael & All Angels and spoke warmly of the Rev. Dr. Cobb. Always talented in mathematics, John began his career by leaving school at 14 and taking up an apprenticeship in aviation engineering, during which time he developed laboratory skills and continued his education, eventually pursuing a bachelor's in physics in his early twenties. Graduating from Leicester University, John then worked for the Central Electricity Generating Board at Bedminster Down, Bristol, where he quickly realized that to make significant contributions in scientific research, he needed to equip himself with a PhD. Choosing Surrey University of Science & Technology, John graduated with his PhD in 1984 and was then approached by a research scientist at the Royal Aircraft Establishment Farnborough who offered him the opportunity to develop new theory to support methods of electrical testing of aircraft structures. Thus began John's research career in eddy current nondestructive evaluation that took him to Iowa State University in 1999 as professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering and Senior Scientist at the Center for Nondestructive Evaluation. He achieved the status of Professor Emeritus in 2018 and is most well known for Theory of Eddy Current Inversion, published in the Journal of Applied Physics in 1993.

John was fond of traveling and especially enjoyed visiting large cities, and often did so by combining his passions for travel and research for his work, with notable collaborations in Kobe (Japan), Thessaloniki (Greece), and Saclay (near Paris, France). During his free time, John enjoyed playing soccer and was an active participant for many years in the local soccer club, the Ames Hurricanes, wishing that "I could play until I am 100!" His daily indulgence was good, strong coffee, and the NYT crossword puzzle.

John is survived by five daughters: Amy Poulton, Rosemary (Alex) Rose and their mother Hazel; Charlotte (Tyson), Eliza, and Zara and their mother Nicola; and two grandchildren. He was always pleased when his daughters took an interest in playing chess.

The family extends their gratitude to Kim Walker of Transitional Life Consulting, the staff at Independence Village in Ames, and at MorningStar Assisted Living in West Des Moines for their care during the last phase of John's life.

A celebration of life will take place on Friday, December 12th, 2025, from 4:30 to 6:30 PM at Caldwell Parish Funeral Home (8201 Hickman Rd., Urbandale, IA, 50322).

Interment will occur in Bedford, England, once arrangements are made at a later date.