Bob was born in Heavener, OK on December 12, 1937 to Buster and Lona Bowman. He was a lifelong resident of Heavener, a place he loved and proudly called home. He was a graduate of Heavener High School, Class of 1956, and carried that pride with him throughout his life. He later answered a greater call to serve his country as a veteran of the Vietnam War, a testament to his courage and sense of duty.
Service was a constant theme in Bob’s life. He was a member of the Heavener Kiwanis Club, always willing to give back to his community. He served many years as Chairman of the Farm Service Agency County Committee of LeFlore County, where his leadership and deep understanding of agriculture earned him great respect.
Many in the community knew Bob through his 20 years as a car salesman at Hembree Chevrolet in Heavener. Bob didn’t just sell cars—he built lasting relationships and friendships, always making people feel welcome and valued.
Bob was a longtime member of Hodgen Baptist Church, where his faith guided his life and where he found fellowship and purpose.
Above all else, Bob’s lifelong passion was ranching. He loved the land, the work, and especially caring for his cattle. Ranching was not just something he did—it was who he was. He found joy in life’s simple pleasures, spending his time hunting, fishing, and baling hay. Some of his fondest memories were hunting and fishing trips with George and Curtis.
At the center of Bob’s life was his family. He was survived by his beloved wife, Kay, with whom he shared 64 years of marriage, a remarkable example of love, faith, and commitment. Bob had 3 wonderful children, 2 daughters, Darali Mixon of Poteau and Jennifer Ritter, and husband Chad of Heavener, OK, and one son, Bob Bowman Jr., and wife Sarah of Poteau, OK .
He was a proud grandfather to six grandchildren: Haley and husband Will of Tahlequah, Oklahoma; Derek, Devry, and Hagen Ritter of Heavener, Oklahoma; Bobby Bowman III and Briley Bowman of Poteau, Oklahoma.- And a proud great-grandfather to Brenna Davenport of Tahlequah, OK.
He is further survived by his brother-in-law, George Dowell and wife Cathy of Poteau; his sister-in-law, June Kelly and husband John of Heavener; his uncle, Curtis Howze and wife Anne of Heavener; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who were blessed to know and love him.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Buster Buck and Lona Jane Stacy Bowman; his brother, Harold; his son-in-law, Mark Mixon; and two special cousins and lifelong friends, Ed Bowman and Wendell Stacy, who held a special place in his heart.
Bob Bowman Sr. lived a life defined by integrity, hard work, faith, and love for his family and community. His legacy will continue through the lives he touched, the land he worked, and the values he passed on. If Heaven has cattle, we know Bob is up there working as a top hand for the Lord.
Funeral service will be 10:00 a.m., Saturday, January 17, 2026 at the Hodgen First Baptist Church in Hodgen, Oklahoma with Brother John Paul McAlester and Mr. Micah Baker officiating. Burial will follow in Mt. View Cemetery in the Glendale Community under the care of Dowden-Roberts Funeral Home of Heavener, Oklahoma.
Pallbearers will be: His Family
Honorary Pallbearers will be: Derek Ritter, Hodgen FBC Men’s Sunday School Class, Jim Mixon, Frank Earven, and David Grubbs, Sr.
Viewing will be from Noon until 6:00 p.m., Thursday and 9:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m., Friday at the funeral home.
To sign Bob’s online guestbook please visit www.dowdenrobertsfuneralhome.com.
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