Jacob Michael Bowling

Salisbury – Our beloved son, Jacob Michael Bowling 37, passed away September 4, 2020 as the result of an accidental heroin overdose. We share his story in hopes that lives may be saved and his death won’t be in vain. His plan for life wasn’t to live a life of addiction.

As a child, Jacob, who was tender and loving with so much promise had a passion to be successful in life. Unfortunately, addiction doesn’t discriminate. Jacob experienced many troubles and darkness along his journey but no matter what, his drug-free soul never changed.

Jacob was born in Salisbury, MD on October 21, 1982, he was the son of Barbara Bowling Disharoon and the late David E. Bowling, Sr. Jacob attended Washington High School in Princess Anne, MD, he graduated in the class of 2000, he participated in sports, drama, chorus, and multiple other activities. Jacob went on to attend Wor-Wic Community College to study for a short period of time.

Jacob will always be remembered for his charming personality, good looks, sense of free spirit and adventure, he loved nature and most of all loved his family and friends and enjoyed spending time together.

The day Jacob died a part of all of us died with him. Jacob has found peace and freedom that he so desperately wanted here on earth. We know he is with the Lord as he accepted the Lord as his savior before his life of addiction. You will be missed by so many people, you touched so many lives and gave so much love to others.

Jake was preceded in death by his father, David E. Bowling, Sr., and his grandparents, Paul and Kay Lauter, Bruce Zimmerman, Sr., Carolyn and Melvin Grube, Edward Bowling, and Mervin and Doris Disharoon.

Jacob is survived by his mother, Barbara Zimmerman Bowling Disharoon and her husband, Thomas W. Disharoon, Sr., brothers, David E. Bowling, Jr., Joshua P. Bowling, Richard A. Disharoon, and Thomas W. Disharoon, Jr. and his wife Heather. Jake is also survived by numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, a niece and two nephews who all loved and supported him. He is also survived by his very dear friend of 10 years, Johanna McCormick, who loved and knew Jake best.

Please join us in a Celebration of Jake’s Life to be held on his birthday Wednesday, October 21, 2020 at 2 pm at Bounds Funeral Home on East Main St in Salisbury where friends may visit one hour prior to the service. Bishop Jesse Abbott will officiate. Interment will follow in Wicomico Memorial Park.

The pain and heartbreak of Jake’s death is why we share his story, this may be the only way to conquer the heroin epidemic our nation is experiencing. We want you to remember that Jake was so much more than his addiction and if his death can help someone, then his life was not in vain.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Teen Challenge of Greater Cleveland, Inc. P.O. Box 115 Perry, Ohio 44081-0115

If you are sick and suffering, there is hope – please go to

SAMHSA’s National Helpline – 1-800-662-HELP (4357).

Matthew Robert Murray, 32 of Ripley, West Virginia lost his battle with addiction on September 17, 2020. Matt was born on November 9, 1987, the beloved, only son of Bob and Janet Murray. He could quickly find common ground with anyone he met. We would be remiss in not mentioning the infectious laugh for which he has been well-known since he was a little boy. “The goofy giggle!” He was a 2006 graduate of Ripley High School, and attended Fishburne Military Academy in Waynesboro, Virginia. Matt attended Glenville State College and West Virginia University- Parkersburg where he intended to complete his education this year. Matt retained life-long friends from each of these encounters.

During childhood and into his teen years, Matt loved playing sports and was a talented athlete. He played on several traveling teams and always fondly remembered the friendships made through these leagues, especially the groups who traveled to Cooperstown, New York. He loved music and enjoyed working at radio stations in Parkersburg and in Huntington.

Throughout his adult life, Matt constantly battled addiction. There were periods where he found sobriety, and during these times, he was able to make wonderful memories that his family and friends will always cherish. Matt had a servant’s heart for others. He would often use his limited resources to give a hand up to someone less fortunate. Though the most recent time in Matt’s life has been happy, it does not dull the pain that comes with knowing the light of a funny, intelligent, kind-hearted spirit was taken from our lives by a senseless and relentless drug. During the years of his fight with this disease, there were definite times of darkness, but we believed until the moment he drew his last breath that he would overcome addiction. We take comfort in knowing that Matt is now in the arms of our Savior and surrounded by light, free from the chains that held him here on earth.

Matt was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, C.R. “Bob” and Colleen Murray and his maternal grandmother, Freeda Bush. Left to honor his memory are his parents of Ripley; sister, Katheryn Ogle (Nathaniel); niece and nephew, Alexandra and Henry Ogle of Knoxville, Tennessee; maternal grandfather, Robert E. Bush, of Spencer; aunts and uncles Susan (Nick) Mercer of London, UK; Roberta (Randall) Board of Spencer, William E. Bush (Tammy) of Spencer, Kristina (Roger) Starcher of Walton, and Russ Murray (Monica) of Parkersburg. Matt will also be fondly remembered by his cousins and friends, both of whom he has many.

Our family asks that you realize that no one is immune to the epidemic of opioid and heroin addiction that spoils so many lives.  We fought as hard as we knew how to help Matt, and our constant hope of his recovery dashed so senselessly is devastating. We will miss him every day. In honor of his memory, please donate to the recovery program of your choice, and please pray for individuals and families affected by addiction. Due to the current pandemic, a private service is planned

cKenzie Jo Decker, 26, passed away at home on October 25, 2020 after many years of struggling with addiction, God knew McKenzie needed to rest. McKenzie was born at Iowa Lutheran Hospital on June 27, 1994 in Des Moines, Iowa.

Funeral services will be held for family and close friends at 11:00 AM on Friday, October 30, at Our Lady’s Immaculate Heart Church at 510 E. First St. Ankeny, IA 50021. Social distancing will be in place and a limited number of spots will be available.

The funeral service will be live streamed via the following link: https://youtu.be/dyr2hvohy7I

She worked at Sleep Inn and Suites as Night Auditor. She went to Ankeny High School and graduated in 2012. She went to DMACC following high school.

How do you explain McKenzie? Her smile would light up a room. She was the love of our lives. She was stubborn as ever but loved with her big heart. If you were in her circle, you know what this means. She was so funny, sarcastic, witty and smart. She gained many “family” members throughout her young adult life. She would do anything for you and was there if you needed her. She led her life by the beat of her own drum and no one was going to get in her way. She had her own “McKenzie style” with that hat, her cat shirts and casual joggers. She loved the outdoors, music, kids, her family, friends, food (especially Cheez-Its) and so much more. She was so smart. She took off walking before 6 months old and gave us a run for our money ever since. She was so loved and will be so missed. For a period of time she was a recovery star. She impacted many lives in such a positive way. She also struggled at times and wished she didn’t cause worry. In many ways she was very selfless.

Our family asks that you recognize that no one is immune to the epidemic of opioids and heroin addiction that surrounds our culture. We fought hard to help her and had constant hope of recovery which was dashed so senselessly. We are devastated but she is finally at peace. McKenzie was so much more than this disease and her powerful spirit will live on forever. It is her time for eternal rest with God. She’s free now.

McKenzie is survived by her grandfather, Dennis Wagner; parents, Chris Decker (Raquel Davis) and DeAnn Decker (Jamie Thorpe); siblings, Madeline, Miranda, and Joshua; step-siblings, Jai Scirpo, Jaden Scirpo, Connor Thorpe, and Logan Thorpe. She is preceded in death by her grandparents, Delores Wagner, Gene and Jo Ann Kramer, and John Decker.
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