Joe C. Bowden

Joe C. Bowden passed into the arms of his Lord on August 11, 2016, in Gainesville, Texas. He was born on February 2, 1940, in Tom Bean, Texas, to Lizzie and W. H. (Pete) Bowden. His family moved to Gainesville in 1942.

Joe was a graduate of Gainesville High School, Class of 1959. He earned an Associate’s Degree from Cooke County Junior College. He was employed at National Supply Company for 27 years. He then was a supervisor at Weber Aircraft for several years and lastly was employed as a tool design engineer at Bell Helicopter from which he retired in 2012.

Joe proudly served his country as a member of the United States Marine Corps Reserve. He was a charter member of Faith Lutheran Church of Gainesville.

Joe had many interests throughout his life; he loved bass fishing, rattlesnake hunting, salt water fishing, playing league darts, woodcarving, reading and traveling. Being a member of the Boy Scouts as a young boy, he became a Boy Scout leader for his son’s troop.

Joe is survived by his wife of 54 years Patricia Keil Bowden, his daughter and son-in-law Carrie and Jake Fontenot of Little Elm, his son William Keil Bowden of Arlington, sisters-in-law Nancy Keil of Rockwall and Mary Margaret Keil of Forney, an aunt Dorothy Sprinkle of Las Cruces, New Mexico, and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers W.H. and Don Bowden, and a sister Melba Jean Campbell.

Memorial services will be held Monday, August 15 at 10:00 A.M. at Faith Lutheran Church of Gainesville with Pastor Scott Sundbye officiating. Visitation will follow the service in the church’s Fellowship Hall.

In lieu of flowers, the family wishes for donations to be made in Joe’s memory to Faith Lutheran Church of Gainesville or the Medal of Honor Program or any charity of your choice.