Dereic Richard Bowlin, 59, of Niles, MI, passed away on Wednesday, January 28, 2026 at the Ernestine M. Raclin Center for Hospice Care in Mishawaka, IN from a sudden illness.

Dereic was born on May 30, 1966 in South Bend, IN to Thomas Bowlin and Sherry (Clark) Bowlin.

He is preceded in death by his father, Thomas and beloved stepfather, James M. Thacker.

He leaves behind his mother, Mrs. James (Sherry) Thacker of Elkhart; three brothers, Blane A. Bowlin of South Bend, Bryce S. Bowlin of Elkhart, and Dana A. (Tammy) Bowlin of Bristol, IN; sister, Brindel (Dan) Byron of Corinth, NY; fourteen nieces and nephews and twenty two great nieces and nephews.

He also leaves behind the love of his life and best friend, Ms. Janna (Bowlin) Leedy, whose love and friendship is never forgotten.

Early in life, Dereic attended Life Tabernacle Church in Elkhart, IN with his family. There as a very young man, Dereic was baptized in the wonderful name of Jesus and received the gift of the Holy Ghost.

He was a lifelong resident of the Michiana area where he worked for the City of Elkhart Water Department for nearly 20 years before moving on to work in the maintenance plumbing industry.

Dereic honorably served as a Specialist for 7 years in the United States Army Reserve, 256 Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 199th BSB Supply Company in South Bend, IN. Serving our nation was the honor of his life.

A Celebration of Dereic’s Life Service will be held at a later date.

Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St., Elkhart, IN 46514 is assisting the family.

For those that wish to send a condolence or share a memory may do so at www.billingsfuneralhome.com.