Bobby Ray Bowman, age 91, of Vidor, Texas, passed away peacefully at home on April 18, 2026. He was born on October 19, 1934, in Jacksonville, Texas.
Bobby made his home in Vidor beginning in 1967, where he built a life centered around family and community.
Bobby and his beloved wife, Janet, shared 66 years of marriage after meeting on a blind date. Both were graduates of Orange Stark High School, a connection that became the foundation of a lifelong partnership.
Bobby served his country for two years in the United States Army from 1955 to 1957.
He graduated from Lamar Tech with an associate degree in Diesel Engines and took his skills to Alaska for a year before returning home to Southeast Texas. Bobby went on to work for 36 years at the Goodyear Chemical Plant, where he retired in 1996 as a supervisor.
Bobby was a member of First Baptist Church Vidor for over 40 years, where his faith remained an important part of his life.
With a God-given gift for working with his hands, Bobby served as both mechanic and carpenter for his family, always ready to lend his skills wherever they were needed.
Bobby played football and ran track, a passion he passed on to his sons and grandchildren. He rarely missed a game or track meet and continued attending and supporting his family even in his later years as his health declined.
Among his many hobbies, Bobby enjoyed building and flying model airplanes, combining his creativity and mechanical ability. He demonstrated and flew one for James’ elementary school classmates, creating a lasting memory for them.
Bobby found great joy in fishing with James, David, and Bryce, even in bad weather. After each trip, Janet would prepare the fish, and he especially enjoyed those meals, made even better by her home cooking.
The family enjoyed years of camping in a pop-up trailer in Hot Springs, Arkansas. Bobby and Janet later continued their love of camping, purchasing a fifth-wheel trailer and spending time together traveling to their favorite destinations.
Though quiet in nature, Bobby’s actions spoke volumes. He taught James and David the value of hard work, honored his wife throughout his life, and made faith in God the foundation of his household.
His favorite Bible verse was Psalm 23 (King James Version):
“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.”
He was preceded in death by his mother, Annie Bowman.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 66 years, Janet Bowman; his sons, James Bowman and his wife Sherry Bowman, and David Bowman and his wife Angela Bowman; grandchildren, Amberly Nutt and her husband Garrett Nutt, and Bryce Bowman; and great-grandchildren, Carter Bowman and Noah Hackney.
Bobby will be remembered for his strong work ethic, devotion to his family, and the lasting legacy he leaves behind. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
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