James Neil Bowden

Mr. Bowden was born on August 16, 1953, in Gladewater, TX to T.J. and Jeannine Bowden. Neil was a longtime resident of Longview, TX. He graduated from Pine Tree High School in 1971 prior to enlisting and serving our country in the United States Navy followed by the Navy Reserve. After an honorable discharge from the Navy, Neil graduated from Kilgore College and retired from Eastman Chemical Company after 30 years. In retirement, he and his wife, LaNita, settled in Gilmer, TX.

As an avid sports enthusiast, Neil enjoyed playing golf and spending time with his friends at Woodhollow Golf Course many days out of the week, and in the evenings and on the weekends, he spent his time in the stands and sidelines of his grandchildren’s sporting events. He had a competitive spirit that was not limited to the playing field but in life too.

Neil had a true servant’s heart and found great enjoyment in serving others. He shared and served in numerous ways, but most notable by all, the delicious food he prepared out of love. He made sure everyone had a seat at the table.

Neil and LaNita were devout, covenant members of New Beginnings Baptist Church, where he served as a decan, and together they lead a life group. He boldly proclaimed the gospel so that others could receive the gift of peace, love, and hope found in God, like he did. Through his salvation and baptism, Neil has received the gift of healing and life in Heaven.

Mr. Neil Bowden was preceded in death by his mother, Jeannine Bowden; brothers, Gary Bowden and Kenneth Bowden; son, Alan Aguilar; and daughter, Tonya Dubois. He leaves behind his loving and devoted wife of 37 years, LaNita Bowden of Gilmer, TX; son, Devin Bowden and wife Lindsey of Longview, TX; daughters Ashli Braley and husband Jamie of Gladewater, TX, and Jenifer Jameson and fiancé Jason Hogg of Gladewater, TX; grandchildren, Landon Bowden, Colton Bowden, Treston Braley and wife Kaitlyn, Gavin Braley, Addisyn Braley, Jordan Jameson and fiancé Cole Giles , Abby Windsor and fiancé Logan Andrews, Bailey Morgan and fiancé Lindsey Sechrist, Kade Kersh, Knoxx Thrower, Sela Aguilar, Cameron Aguilar; four great-grandchildren, Gyntree, Laykin, Hazel, and Kolin; sister, Delight Bowden of Longview, TX; and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, family, and friends.

The family will receive visitors at New Beginnings Baptist Church, located at 2137 E George Richey Road Longview, TX 75604, Wednesday, March 19, 2025, from 10:00-11:00 AM with a celebration of life to immediately follow. Pastor Todd Kaunitz of New Beginnings Baptist Church will be officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family request that donations be made to New Beginnings Baptist Church in memoriam of Neil Bowden.