Fentress County, Tennessee Sheriff's Department Chief Deputy Ralph Bowmer, 67, died Monday,
January 24 at the Jamestown Regional Medical Center after suffering a heart attack in the line of duty December 21, 2004 while responding to an automobile accident. Bowmer, a native of Jamestown, had suffered several heart attacks in the weeks leading up to the one suffered December 21, according to
Sgt. Brock Rains of the Fentress County Sheriff's Department.

Bowmer had his first heart attack while on foot duty December 16, but it was just a minor one and he didn't even notice it at the time. He just got sick for a few days afterwards," Rains said. "When we responded to the accident on the twenty-first the roads were iced over and we had to walk over a hill to
get to the scene. Ralph collapsed and couldn't get back up so we drove him home."

The next day Bowmer went to see his doctor who recognized that he had suffered a heart attack,
promptly admitting him to the Jamestown Regional Medical Center. Bowmer was in and out of the
hospital for several weeks and did not return to active duty before passing away at approximately 5 a.m. Monday morning, according to Rains.

Bowmer was a 32-year veteran of the department who joined 1973 and was promoted to chief deputy by 1985, a position he held until 1994. He left the department in 1994 and returned in 1998 as a deputy before again being promoted to chief deputy a year later.

Chief Deputy Bowmer is survived by his wife, Dean Delk Bowmer, his daughter, Robin Bowmer Mackie, his son, Jeff Bowmer, step-sons, Donald Winningham, Richard Winningham,and step- daughters, Robin Delk, Becky Hull, Remonia Shaver, Tina Cox, and Jennifer Butler. Also one sister Maxine Upchurch. He is preceded in death by his first wife, Francis Upchurch Bowmer, son Ronald David Bowmer
( who was a former Fentress County Deputy )

Agency Information:
Fentress County Sheriff's Office
100 Smith St South.
Jamestown, Tennessee 38556
Phone: 931-879-8142