He was born on January 16, 1929, in Mont Belvieu, Texas, at home, to Charlie and Eunice Bowen. He was the last of seven children. As the youngest, he was always the family’s favorite. As early as five, when Joe was not attending school, he could be found working with his Dad in the rice fields. Joe was the first and only child to complete high school and attend university.
Joe joined the Army in 1950, participating in the Korean Conflict as a paratrooper in the 11th Ranger Company. Additional duties in the Army included service as a cook, cooking for up to 1600 men. He was discharged in 1952 returning home to meet and marry Eileen Marie Fitzgerald on February 7, 1953. Joe and Eileen had two children together, Joseph Mack Bowen, Jr. and 9 years later Shari Lynn Bowen Huckaby. Joe and Eileen enjoyed 59 years of marriage before Eileen lost her battle to cancer on May 12, 2012.
Post service, Joe worked as a concrete specialist and was considered among the best in the field. He paved streets throughout the Houston area, including the Woodlands, Clear Lake, and Ellington Field, working with Mischer Construction and Beyer Construction.
Joe is survived by his children Joseph Mack Bowen, Jr., his wife Donna Marie Bowen, Shari Lynn Huckaby, her husband Arthur Craig Huckaby, his grandchildren Stephen James Baklik, Jr., his wife Debra Jo Karee Baklik, Seth Aron Baklik, Shane Michael Baklik (deceased) and Shauna Nichole Baklik Bannerman. He has two great grandsons, Asher James Baklik and Keenan James Bannerman and was looking forward to the birth of his third great grandson William Robby Shane Baklik.
He is also survived by his current wife Nancy Farris Bowen, whom he married in 2014. Her children, brothers, sisters, cousins and others are too numerous to mention. Joe was graciously accepted by her family. They loved Joe and accepted him as one of their own.
Joe liked to make jewelry and designed and constructed pieces for his daughter and others. He enjoyed amateur gaming, including attending a periodic poker game with his buddies and making trips to native American casinos like Golden Nugget and Grand Casino Coushatta in Louisiana. He was a well-loved friend at the Senior’s group at Melvin Knapp center in Pearland. He frequently gathered at the Knapp Center for bingo and other activities, often bringing cakes and cookies he had baked for his fellow seniors to enjoy.
When Joe was not enjoying time with his fellow seniors, he enjoyed hosting dinners for friends and family on regular and special occasions. He enjoyed grilling steaks and ribs, sparing no expense, making sure everyone had a large portion of whatever cut of meat they liked. Joe enjoyed engaging with kids as well, always listening to their latest accomplishments and encouraging them. Whether friends came for dinner or just stopped by for a visit, Joe loved exchanging stories with his friends and family. Joe was well known for his heartwarming laugh and engaging nature.
Joe was a Christian man and regularly attended St. Thomas of Canterbury for worship and fellowship. He was a warm, loving man who will be greatly missed. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Joe’s memory to St. Thomas of Canterbury Anglican Church, 14700 South Freeway, Houston, TX, 77047
Funeral Service can be viewed through live at: www.facebook.com/ForestParkWestheimer/
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18