Mark Bowman

Mark Bowman of Austin, TX passed away peacefully on the 18th of April 2024 at the age of 67. Mark was a man of extraordinary spirit, blessed with a multitude of gifts and talents. His life was a vibrant tapestry woven with love, laughter, far-flung travels, and adventures that would ignite the imagination of anyone fortunate enough to hear his stories. A successful business executive and an internationally renowned rock music photographer, Mark leaves behind a legacy etched in the hearts of countless friends and family across the world.

Born on July 20, 1956, Mark was a proud Houston native. He completed his schooling at Madison High School in Houston, Texas, before earning a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Southwest Texas State University. His service in the United States Air Force at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs was a testament to his dedication and patriotism. Here, he channeled his passion and talent for sports into the U.S. Air Force softball team, leading them to a state championship victory. Colorado also served as the backdrop for Mark’s mastery of snow skiing. His fearless skills and athletic prowess earned him an invitation to the US Ski Association Masters Division and several NASTAR gold medals. Over the years, Mark’s love for skiing took him across the globe, with Zermatt, Switzerland, becoming a favorite destination.

Mark's passion for sports transcended mere participation, making him an ardent supporter of the Houston Oilers, Texans, and Astros. His dedication was evident in his fervent support for the Houston Oilers as a season ticket holder, a commitment he continued as a founding season ticket holder for the Houston Texans. Mark cherished the exhilaration of attending numerous games and Super Bowls. His infectious enthusiasm ignited attention on television, newspapers, and social media, a testament to his contagious spirit.

Mark began his professional journey in Houston, Texas, where he excelled as a sales executive in the field of medical technology. His profound expertise in medical imaging technology, coupled with an extensive knowledge of medical informatics, was indisputable, generating millions in revenue. Mark played a pivotal role in transforming the medical radiology industry, spearheading the transition from traditional x-ray film to advanced digital technology.

In 1987, fate smiled upon Mark when he met the love of his life, his beautiful bride Charlene "Charley," during a Caribbean cruise. They found their dream home in Barton Creek, Austin, Texas. Their home became a sanctuary, where they cherished the local wildlife, dreamt of their next international escapade, and savored Mark’s culinary creations. Their shared passion for exploring different cultures took them from the Great Wall of China to the Pyramids in Egypt. However, their most cherished destination was the romantic city of Paris, where they recently celebrated their 29th anniversary. Their love story remains an inspiring testament to shared adventures and mutual respect.

Upon retirement, Mark continued his passion for music and photography, establishing Mark Bowman Images, https://www.markbowmanimages.com/. He captured iconic moments in music history, featuring artists such as Jimmy Page, Jeff Beck, Pete Townsend, Stevie Nicks, Ann and Nancy Wilson, Joe King Carrasco, Tom Petty, and Stevie Ray Vaughn, among others. Mark's photographs became synonymous with rock and roll, gracing movie screens, album covers, and documentaries. They appeared in Rolling Stone, Texas Monthly, and on networks like the BBC, CBS, and PBS. Mark also served as the executive producer for Joe King Carrasco’s latest album, “Beer Bars & Guitars.” This collaborative effort resulted in a fresh collection of songs, with Mark’s keen eye also contributing to the album cover and photography. His indelible mark on the world of rock photography has preserved the legacy of music legends for future generations.

Mark is a man of profound character, shaped by his deep faith, strong ethics, love for family, and a sense of humor that lights up any room. His humor is a reflection of his optimistic outlook on life. He embraced life with an intensity that burned bright; his friend Jimmy Page's words his guiding philosophy: "It's better to live one day as a lion than a thousand years as a mouse." His life was a testament to this belief, and his legacy will continue to inspire those who knew him.

Mark leaves behind his beloved wife of 29 years, Charlene Bowman, and his sister, Jan Bowman, of Hickory Creek, TX. He is also survived by his mother-in-law, Marie Mills of Georgetown, TX, brother-in-law, Vince Smith of Prescott, Arizona, and sisters-in-law, Barbara Smith of Prescott, Arizona, and Angela Fiorelli of Hickory Creek, TX. Mark is preceded in death by his father, Joe Bowman, mother, Betty Bowman, and brother, Bob Fruge.

Friends and loved ones are invited to a visitation with the family on Thursday, April 25, 2024, from 5:30-7:30 PM at Weed Corley Fish Funeral Homes, located at 5416 Parkcrest Drive, Austin, TX. The Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, April 27, at 11 AM at the same location. A graveside service at the Houston National Cemetery will be scheduled at a later date.