Curtis "Happy" Bowling, 91, passed away on September 22, 2010 after a brief illness. He leaves behind his wife and best friend of 69 years, Willa Walker Bowling (Bill); daughters Sharon 'Shern' Weller and Yvonne 'Bunny' Perlberg; daughter Kathy Roy died in 2005; six grandchildren and four great grandchildren. Hap was truly 'one of a kind', a story teller par excellence. One of seven children born to Belva and Luther Bowling on April 16, 1919 in Clay County, Kentucky, he came to Washington County, Indiana in 1947 after serving in the U. S. Navy during World War II in the South Pacific and was a member of the Enon Baptist Church. A property owner and proud farmer, he was riding his tractor and driving his red truck just a few days before he died. The unofficial greeter of Salem because he loved to circle the Square, talking to everyone, telling stories, and offering a kind word, Happy would regale anyone who would listen with tales of the Depression, the purchase of his first car, the price of timber, or politics of the day. When his right index finger started pointing, you just knew a story was about to unfold. He always wanted to have the best lawn on the block, and spent countless hours caring for his 'Knock Out' roses. Hap and Bill were frequent casino visitors, and Hap was very adept at 'raking in the money'. Known for his determination, when Hap said, "The hell I can't," you just knew he could, and would. Most of all, he loved his wife and family. Viewing will be held on Friday from 4 pm to 8 pm and after 9 am on Saturday at Dawalt Funeral Home on East Market Street in Salem. The funeral will take place on Saturday at 10 am.