Obituary of Richard Bowles

Richard Bowles March 28, 1943 - December 11, 2010 Richard Marvin “Whitey” Bowles went to be with the Lord on December 11, 2010. He was born March 28, 1943 in Lincoln, Illinois to Louise and John Bowles. His family relocated to Houston in 1955, “where you don’t have to shovel sunshine.” Richard graduated from M.B. Smiley High School in 1961. After graduation, he met the love of his life, Billie Gabriel, and they were married August 31, 1963. Billie was his loving wife and friend for 47 years. Richard started his career with Houston Lighting & Power in 1965, before being drafted into the US Army in 1966. During the Vietnam War, he served as a Sergeant with the 371 Radio Research 1st Air Calvary. Richard was awarded the Bronze Star as well as numerous other military awards. In 1968 he returned from Vietnam, was discharged from the Army and the second love of his life, his son Ricky, was born. He resumed his career with Houston Lighting & Power and worked in traveling maintenance, retiring with 40 years of service. Richard was a fierce competitor in all aspects of life and was a man that could do anything he attempted. He loved working with his hands whether it was restoring or repairing cars, motorcycles, or tractors. Richard loved to hunt and fish. With Billie’s help one year, he even won the Light Company’s bass tournament. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church La Porte where he had served as the Chair of Trustees, was active in the Men’s group and served on various committees. He was also a 40 year member of the Masonic Archives Lodge 1399. Richard is survived by his devoted wife Billie; son Ricky and his wife Cynthia and the apple of his eye, grandson Tag Richard Bowles. He is also survived by his sister Beverly McMahan and husband Kimball; niece Melinda McMahan, nephew H.K. McMahan and wife Arielle and great nephew Mac McMahan; nephews, Tony Alford and Steven Alford, niece Trina Alford and great niece Maddie Roden. He is also survived by numerous relatives in Illinois, as well as additional extended family, and friends. Richard was preceded in death by his parents and niece Mandy Gabriel. Richard would want to remembered as a man of faith, of good character, with a kind and generous heart. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. Words cannot express how much he will truly be missed. Visitation will be 6:00 - 8:00 pm, Tuesday, December 14 at the First United Methodist Church, 9601 West Fairmont Parkway, La Porte, TX. Services will be held at the church, Wednesday, December 15th at 10:00 am. Interment will be held at Southpark Cemetery in Pearland. Donations in Richard's memory may be made to First United Methodist Church of