Robert A. Bowser

Robert’s survivors include his wife, Oanh “Honey” Bowser of Houston; daughters, Tonia Bowser of Alexandria, Virginia, Joni Odum (Myron Odum, Jr.) of Collegeville, Pennsylvania, and Tina Nguyen of Houston; grandchildren, Colin, Shane, and Camryn Odum of Collegeville; and dearest brother, Alvin Bowser of Fort Worth.

Robert was an exceptional husband and a generous, doting father. A phenomenal provider, Robert ensured that his family’s needs – whether immediate or extravagant – were met. He was an adventurist, trendsetter, and globetrotter, sharing with his family his love of travel in the U.S. and internationally – visiting six of the seven continents (all but Antarctica) through the years.

Highly energetic, Robert led his family and close friends by example, demonstrating his exemplary work ethic in practical and exceptional ways throughout his life. A mentor and role model to aspiring business executives from minority communities, he enjoyed mentoring young people and helping to form the next generation of business leaders.

A member of St. Vincent De Paul Church, Robert converted to Catholicism in 2004 – 2005. During this time, he enjoyed a renewed passion for his spiritual growth and relationship with God and nurtured his faith through study, relationships with church clergy, and interactions with other parishioners.

A remarkably gifted and brilliant businessman, Robert was founder and chief executive officer (CEO) of Firstline Inc. Established in 1987, Firstline is the largest African American-owned distributor of hair accessory products for multi-ethnic consumers in the U.S. The company’s success through various stages of development over the years is largely attributable to Robert's vision, experience, and expertise in the haircare, sales, and marketing arenas.

Firstline is one of the few minority-owned companies that specializes in marketing and distributing affordably priced, high-quality hair accessory items that improve the image and appearance of the multi-ethnic consumer. In 1979, Robert established Sunbelt Sales and Marketing — Firstline’s predecessor — as the country’s first African American-owned beauty brokerage firm specializing in the sales and marketing of haircare products. Through Robert's deep-seeded relationships, the company quickly evolved into a special packaging and warehousing company that expedited just-in-time shipments to distribution centers nationwide. Beginning in the mid-1990s, Firstline began producing its own line of hair accessories geared toward African Americans.

Robert was a lifelong student, reading several local and business newspapers a day. An avid reader, he never failed to have an interesting nonfiction book at his bedside. In 2014, he graduated from Harvard Business School’s Executive Education Program, which boasts a challenging, transformative curriculum designed to strengthen the business management and leadership skills of CEOs.

Robert was an esteemed member of the Harvard Alumni Association, the Greater Houston Partnership, Chamber of Commerce, Vistage CEO Group, The Sovereign Institute CEO Group, and former president of the US-China People’s Friendship Association.

Extraordinarily well-rounded, Robert loved jazz, cooking, and hosting parties – big and small. He was a wine connoisseur, history buff, and impeccable dresser with a huge personality and an unquenchable zest for life. He will be greatly missed by all who loved and admired him.

Friends are cordially invited to gather with the family and share remembrances of Mr. Bowser during a visitation from five o'clock in the afternoon until eight o'clock in the evening on Friday, the 31st of January 2020, in the library and grand foyer of Geo. H. Lewis & Sons, 1010 Bering Drive in Houston.

Funeral service honoring Mr. Bowser's life will be held at ten o'clock in the morning on Saturday, the 1st of February 2020, in the Jasek Chapel of Geo. H. Lewis & Sons.

Immediately following the service, all are invited to greet the family during a reception in the adjacent grand foyer.

Entombment will follow, via an escorted cortege, in the Texas Liberty Mausoleum at Memorial Oaks Cemetery Reflection Lake Estates in Houston. All are welcome to attend.

In lieu of customary remembrances, memorial contributions in honor of Robert A. Bowser may be directed to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22478, Oklahoma City, OK, 73123.