Daniel “Dirtworm Dan” Wilbur Bowne passed away at his favorite place, Legion Speedway on Sunday, May 31, 2026. He is preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence Carlton Bowne and Agnes Mae Waters Bowne, along with his brother, Melvin “Red” Bowne, all of Salisbury, NH.

He leaves behind an extremely large hole in the heart of many. Those which include, his loving and adoring daughter, Danielle Nichole Bowne and his son in love, Nick Valadez, of Denver Colorado; his best friend, Christine Boesch Carlson of Moultonborough, NH; his lifelong friend and mother of Danielle, Cindy Condon of Signal Mtn., TN; his brother Lindon Bowne of Bushnell, FL; his sister Lorna Rogers of Raleigh, NC; his brother Edwin Bowne of Salisbury, NH; his sister Priscilla Sanborn of Concord, NH; his brother Russell Bowne of Andover, NH; his sister Dodi Knights of Poland, ME; and his sister Alice Frawley of Boscawen, NH. He also leaves behind countless cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family members, a large dirt track community, along with many, many friends, young and old.

Daniel was known by his daughter as “Papa” (pronounced Puppa) and was the best father and mentor anyone could ask for. He was known as “Dan”, “Danny,” and by his beloved dirt track community as the incredible “Dirtworm Dan,” a name lovingly given to him by a very young Reese Prentice that will live on forever.

Dan enjoyed and was known for many things in this world, including but not limited to, being a father, a friend, a comedian, a storyteller, a farmer, a teacher, a builder, a mechanic, and a student of the universe.

Dan knew dirt better than anyone. He literally could and would move mountains. He owned Rumney (Legion Speedway aka RumTown) for two years and has maintained the track for countless years. He also maintained Canaan’s dirt track for several years and prepped the dirt at New Hampshire Motor Speedway for their big event in 2025. Dan founded Wingless Auto Club in NH, raced with Sprint Cars of New England and with DMA Midgets. He was very involved yearly with Mark Cole of New Hampshire, traveling to and assisting with Winter Nationals, as Florida was a preferred place to be in the winter instead of the frozen tundra of New Hampshire. He did it for the love of the sport and the love of moving and playing in dirt.

His hobbies included staying young at heart, enjoying the heat of the sun, coffee, cigarettes, playing in the dirt, visiting his daughter whenever possible, building things from nothing, road tripping, and the adventure of the unknown.

He loved Rudolph, Olaf, The Three Stooges, and all things Bigfoot. He could build anything but his favorite thing to build had an engine, 4 wheels, and went fast. He gave the best hugs, had the best laugh and smile, was always steady and calm, was a true friend, and an amazing teacher. He loved fiercely and had an amazing sense of humor. He shared his quirky outlook on life with his daughter and anyone else who wanted to look on the bright side of things, with a little twist for fun.

Dan/Papa will never be forgotten. We know he is enjoying his next big adventure and laughing at all the tears we are shedding over him. He would probably suggest we water the track with our tears, or at least the corners. We will have a large Celebration of Life at his favorite place, Legion Speedway, later in the year when it’s nice and hot. All will be invited and encouraged to wear the “team uniform” of cutoff jean shorts, long white socks, a bright colored or white t-shirt, and dirty work boots. In lieu of flowers, please spread some seeds in the dirt like the Dirtworm would and/or donate to your favorite dirt track to help keep the sport alive.

Baldwin Brothers Funeral and Cremation Society in Silver Springs, FL is assisting with final arrangements.