Cover photo for Robert Bowden's Obituary
Robert Bowden Profile Photo
1937 Robert 2020

Robert Bowden

October 18, 1937 — October 12, 2020

Alpine

Robert Lynn Bowden, Husband, Father, Grandfather, Teacher, passed on October 12, 2020. Robert was born October 18, 1937 to Elizabeth & Buel Bowden in Witchita Falls, Texas. Robert grew up in Munday, Texas and graduating a Munday Mogal always followed and took pride inn the Mogul victories. Robert graduated from Sul Ross University, got his masters from Colorado State, and then embarked into a career in education. While teaching in Snyder, Texas Robert met Carolyn Lane Smith. They married June 8th, 1963. They both spent their careers teaching, ultimately leading them back to Alpine, where Carolyn taught in elementary school of Alpine ISD and Robert became a Professor of Industrial Arts at Sul Ross. Robert was known as a man of great integrity and humility, wit and dry sense of humor. He was gifted craftsman who could fix anything, working with wood, metal, upholstery, you name it! Many students learned a craft or lifelong hobby under Robert's instruction. He served many friends and neighbors with his Gob given ability and skill, forming friendships that lasted a lifetime. Robert and Carolyn would take advantage of their summer vacations together by darting off all over the country to camp and vacation outdoors, from Alaska to Maine. Robert's love for the outdoors, camping, hunting, and fishing has left many friends with countless cherished memories. The tales of Robert's adventures and misadventures were captivating to say the least. A very tired and ragged guardian. angel may now get some rest.

Robert lost Carolyn on August 21, 2006. Fortunately, God showed Robert another blessing in the form of Donna Cotton. Having met again at a High School Reunion in Munday, they later married in 2007. Robert and Donna traveled and enjoyed each other's company and Donna made the house he built, home again. Donna also encouraged Roberts to take up golf and play golf he did, gaining even more friends on the golf course a mere two blocks from home.

Robert is survived by his wife, Donna Bowden of Alpine. Robert's pride and joy are his two daughters, Melissa Cloyd and husband Richard of Edmond, OK and Mindy Barrett and husband Danny of Lubbock, TX. Robert was blessed with three grandchildren whom he also cherished, Grayson Cloyed, Makenzi Miller and her husband Austin, and Karsen Harlien. Robert welcomed and loved his stepchildren Kenna Cotton and Lisa Spinks of Houston and Kipp Cotton of Munday and they loved him back. Included as Robert's family are the countless students and friends made over the course of an impactful and well lived life. Knowing that our good-bye is only earthly, we can look forward to being reunited again one day.

Visitation will be held Saturday, October 17, 2020 from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m. at Alpine Memorial Funeral Home Geeslin Chapel. Graveside service will follow at 4:00 p.m. at Elm Grove Cemetery with Lana Covington as Celebrant.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to the Education Excellence Fund at Sul Ross State University in memoriam of Robert Bowden at SRSU Office of Development, PO Box C-114, Alpine, TX  79831 or online at:  https://www.sulross.edu/giving, with Robert Bowden in the comment section or you may choose a charity of your choice.

Alpine Memorial Funeral Home has been entrusted with his services. Online condolence may be left at: www.alpinememorialfuneralhome.com.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Robert Bowden, please visit our flower store.

Service Schedule

Past Services

Visitation

Saturday, October 17, 2020

2:00 - 3:30 pm (Central time)

Alpine Memorial Funeral Home

209 W Sul Ross Ave, Alpine, TX 79830

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

Graveside Service

Saturday, October 17, 2020

Starts at 4:00 pm (Central time)

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

Guestbook

Visits: 25

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the
Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Service map data © OpenStreetMap contributors

Send Flowers

Send Flowers

Plant A Tree

Plant A Tree