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Ricky Bowden Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Ricky Bowden
Terry & Gayle Thompson
September 24, 2014
Good bye my St. John High School classmate and friend of K-State. I think about you every time we go into the Bill Snyder Family Stadium at Manhattan. I am looking forward to seeing you in Heaven and catching up with you about K-State successful football seasons, etc.
Jerry Jasnoski
May 9, 2014
I just learned today (5-9-14)of Rick's passing. I must say, he was one of a kind. May the Lord watch over and bless you Sue and family.
Greg Hupp
November 18, 2013
I am so sorry to learn of Rick's passing.
Rick was a great teacher and coach, and I appreciate his interest in all of us to help us grow.
When he was coaching basketball, I remember his encouragement when we had difficult days. He was also there challenging us, when the team had success.
May God bless your family.
Bev Powell
October 10, 2013
Sue and family: I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Rick was a very kind man and it was a pleasure knowing you all.
Michelle (Simon) Sanchez
October 5, 2013
Sue and family, I am sorry for your loss. I have so many great memories of Mr. Bowden at Goddard High through government class, track, and campaigning for him when he ran for office. Dianne (Dugan) Kilby and I were remembering all of the fun times we had in high school -- he was a great teacher and coach, and touched so many lives. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. (GHS Class of '84)
Heather (Weber ) Wheeler
October 3, 2013
I am so saddened to hear about this. Sue, our family is keeping you and your children in our prayers. He was way too young...but wow...he sure left a legacy in those few short years. I had a blast during school...in part to Rick. He let me be the cross country manager and also cheerleader for the team. Great times. He was a great teacher, too. Literally, he PUT UP with me in class. He was wonderful. So glad I was able to run into you two not long ago while you were here in Topeka. You two made a terrific team. May God carry you thru this valley of life. Love, Heather ( Weber) Wheeler 1980 Goddard Graduate
Carol Schiffelbein
October 2, 2013
Sue and family, I am so sorry for your loss. I pray that your memories and faith sustain you in the upcoming days/months.
Dan Scott
October 2, 2013
I knew Rick for over fifty years as I attended Junior High and High School with Rick in St. John, KS. My most lasting memory of Rick will be that he was a TRUE WINNER in every aspect of life.
May God be with the family and keep them as safe and healthy as Rick would have.
Jan Marshall Oliva
October 2, 2013
I am so sorry for your loss....
Staci Brown
October 1, 2013
Lia, thinking of you and your family. I know you will miss him terribly.
Staci Brown
Kelly and Debbie Parks
October 1, 2013
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. Many memories from the farm south of St.John
Kenny Boothe
October 1, 2013
Mr. Bowden was our teacher at Goddard and we liked him alot. Our sympathy to your family.
Kenny and Susan Boothe
October 1, 2013
I attended college with Rick in the 1960's and I can truly say that he was a first-class person all the way; and in all things. I know that our precious Lord & Savior has welcomed him with open arms and said to Rick: "Well done my good and faithful servant." (Matt. 25-21) John (scat) H.
October 1, 2013
Dear Family,
I went to high school with Ricky and Mel knew all of you at Goddard. We are shockingly sadden to hear of this tragic loss. Ricky was a good friend, great coach and a wonderful person. Please know we are thinking of and praying for all of you.
Mel and Susan (Duncan) Hussey
Bilie & Tom McDavitt
October 1, 2013
Dear Sue, Lia and Erica,
We have thought of you many times in the years since you left the Wichita area. We really loved and admired you as a family. Rick stood tall among the men we knew. We are very sorry that we will be unable to attend his service today.
Brent Edmisten
September 30, 2013
I was very sad to hear about Rick's passing. Rick made an impact on me as my high school track coach and government teacher at Goddard High School. He was very passionate about sports, government, and working to be the best in everything. Rick impressed this upon his students and everyone around him. My condolences to his wife, children, and family.
John Kornelson
September 30, 2013
Sue and family,
I'm so sorry to hear about Rick. We go back to the early 70's when I was at KMC and he was at Goddard. He had a passion for track and field. I most recently had the pleasure to work with Rick during the 100th anniversary of the state track meet history display; we had a great time! Rick was a great guy and very passionate at whatver he did. I am glad I had the pleasure to know him. May God keep and bless your and your family. JK (
Ladd Welch
September 30, 2013
Rick Bowden made school fun, and football practice tolerable. Rick and Sue are two of the best parents, and nicest people I have had the priveledge to be around. Sue and girls, I am deeply sorrow for your loss.
September 30, 2013
Dear Sue and family. I am so rry to hear of your loss. You will be in my prayers. May happy memories sustain you through these sad days. Love Sue, (Aunt Sue Riley)
Mark Jarboe
September 30, 2013
Very sorry to hear about the passing of Rick - Erica, know that we are thinking about you and praying for your family. May God grant you and your family an extra measure of His grace at this time.
Brent Burdge
September 30, 2013
Sue, Lia & Erica,
Rick was a great mentor and influence on literally thousands of Kansas school kids. He influenced my life through Track, Cross Country and Government classes. We loved and appreciated him. May you find comfort, in time, with wonderful memories of his time with us all.
Dave Kirkbride
September 30, 2013
Sue and Family,
I was shocked and saddened when I learned of Rick's death. I worked with Rick when he was chief negotiator for the Goddard Education Association as well as when he successfully campaigned for election to the Kansas House of Representatives. When Rick was chair of the House education Committee, he was the driving force in passing the 1992 School Finance Act. He was devoted husband and father, an admired teacher, a faithful member of Kansas NEA, a fine negotiator, an excellent legislator, and a wonderful friend. He will be missed by all who knew him. My thoughts are with you, your children, and your grandchildren.
Dave Kirkbride
South Central Kansas NEA
Beth (Swedberg) Shelton
September 30, 2013
Sue, Lia, and Erica,
I was so sorry to hear about Rick's passing. I have wonderful memories of spending time with your family in Goddard and at church. My prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Shannon (Opfer) Hageman
September 30, 2013
Mr Bowden was one of my Favorite Teachers, he forever changed my life......He touched so many peoples lives. GOB BLESS! Rest in Peace, Coach, We are Forever Grateful!
Sandi Miller-Devlin
September 30, 2013
Thoughts & Prayers to all the Family,and so sorry for your loss, I new him Goddard High , He was a wonderful teacher
Jeff Piper
September 30, 2013
I had many teachers throughout school, some had more of an impact on my life than others. Coach Bowden probably had the greatest. I made a pretty significant mistake in High School that had I not had mentors like Coach Bowden behind me and believing in me, I might have continued to falter. Coach Bowden believed in the potential of all his students and athletes. He was more than just a teacher/coach, he was a friend.
I remember the night before Coach was elected to the state legislature. Several of us who were on the cross country and track team tp'ed and forked his yard and hung a banner on his garage to "take state". Carrying that ladder down Walnut street in the middle of the night to hang the banner without getting caught was something to see.
I also remember the over distance runs during cross country practice hearing coach yelling, "Push, you've got to push beyond the pain barrier". This as he would drive past us on the bus with a smile on his face. GOOD TIMES! I still run for enjoyment today because of Coach.
Coach had an impact on so many lives. His loss is felt by many. I extend my deepest sympathy to his family and pray you will find comfort in the many happy times I know you shared together.
God gave us a great man in Rick Bowden. Rest in peace coach. Keep running and keep smiling.
September 30, 2013
So sorry to hear about Rick's death. He was one of the first to reach out to my family when my dad died as the result of a farm injury in May of 2012. He would ALWAYS ask how my parents were every time I would see him. I had a great visit with him at a Regional Track meet at Hugoton last spring. He always went out of his way to greet you and make you feel appreciated. We appreciated and respected him so much. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Greg Rosenhagen
Cheney HS
Jim Mitchell
September 30, 2013
I am very saddened by the sudden passing of Rick. He did great things for the youth of the state of Kansas and was a man who was well respected. Kansas lost a great person. You will be missed Rick.
September 30, 2013
Sue and family,
Our prayers and thoughts are with you all. God's speed. Martha and John Froetschner
David and Molly Smith
September 30, 2013
Molly and I were shocked and greatly saddened to learn of Rick's passing. He was exemplary in all aspects of life and will be very, very sorely missed by all those who knew him or benefited from his guidance. Our sincere wishes for strength and peace for his family.
September 30, 2013
Sue and Family, We are so sorry to hear of Ricks passing. Also so proud of all he has accomplished in his life. Carla,Danna/ Chad Sublet and Dode Sublet/Little
Brad Prescott
September 30, 2013
Sue,
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. I am had the honor of meeting Rick and attending a K-State football game with him, and that will remain a cherished memory. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Bruce Custer
September 30, 2013
A very nice person to work with. He was a mainstay to the KSHSAA.
Mark & Cathy Furnish
September 30, 2013
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time. We are so sorry for your loss.
Becky Ast Orth
September 30, 2013
Sue & family,
I am so sorry to hear of Rick's passing. I have memories of Government class, campaigning for him when he first ran for office and a senior trip to Topeka. I am fortunate to have had him as a teacher at Goddard. You have my deepest sympathies.
Roy and Keli Yungeberg
September 30, 2013
Although no words can really help to ease the loss you bear, just know that you are very close in every thought and prayer. We are praying for peace, comfort and strength in this difficult time for you and your family. May the peace which comes from the memories of love shared comfort you now and in the days ahead.
Roy (football and basketball official at Valley Heights High School)and Keli Yungeberg, Waterville, KS
Chris Stanfield
September 30, 2013
Sue,
I was schocked and very sad to hear the news about my friend, Rick. I was very fortunate to have crossed paths many times with Rick - first in his work as a KS Legislator and many more times in his work at KSHSAA where he led us officials in the sports of football, baseball and softball that I work. I still carry a 3 page letter that Rick wrote to me when I left the Topeka area in 2000 about his feelings for "our calling" and I cherish the strong support and encouragement that he gave me to "stay in the game". Finally, Sue, I recall our days working together at KDHE and again recall how Rick supported our small efforts to improve the health and daily lives of all Kansans. God Bless you and may Rick find peace in his eternal reward.
Tamara Wilkerson
September 30, 2013
Sue, I'm so sorry about Rick. You and the family are in my thoughts and prayers. Tamara Wilkerson
Todd Burdge
September 30, 2013
I had the privilege of knowing Rick as both a devoted teacher and coach, and had a deep respect for him. As a teenager, Rick was the second greatest "mentor" in my life, second only to my Dad. Things like work ethic, integrity, and devotion to others were not things he necessarily talked about, but were things I learned from watching him. He was a great man, and I will always be blessed for having known him.
Terry Thompson
September 29, 2013
I was deeply saddened when I learned of Rick's death. He was a classmate with me at St. John, Ks. I have wonderful memories of us playing high school football together from 1962-65. I played on the offensive line and Rick was our running back. After opening a small hole, he would scamper thru the line, make many defenders miss, would run for several yards at a time and would score many touchdowns. Because of his job, he was not able to attend our SJ High School class reunions until after he retired in 2011. It was during the recent high school class gatherings in SJ in May of 2012 and 2013, many of us got to renew our old friendship with Rick. Rick took an active part in organizing the events as a tail gate activity driving all the way from his home in Northern Nebraska to SJ. He was our head chef and with all of his tailgating experience, he delivered some excellent meals for all of us to enjoy.
Rick and I had not seen each other in many years but we ran into each other at a K-State football game in Manhattan in the fall of 2011 and discovered our seats were near one another. We would then share many emails together about K-State's football program and would see him at some of the games as well as the Cotton Bowl in Dallas and the Fiesta Bowl in Phoenix last January.
I am in shock and denial that he is no longer here. He was a wonderful friend with a winning personality. He will be sorely missed. I will ever be reminded of him each time we enter the Bill Snyder Family stadium for a football game.
Please accept my sympathies and deep regret for your loss.
Mark Myers
September 29, 2013
Mr Bowden, as I knew him during my four years of running XC at Goddard HS, had an enormous impact on my life and my running. I was never a fast runner but I run to this day because coach never made me like less of a person even if I wasn't a star on the team. May God bless the Bowden's.
Isaiah 40:31
September 29, 2013
My son was a member of Rick's Cross Country teams. We felt that Rick was a great influence on those boys. We appreciated him. May God bless and comfort you in his sudden loss. Ellen Murphy
Jolene Grabill
September 29, 2013
Sue, I am so sad to hear of Rick's untimely death. As you know I was privileged to know him through his legislative service. He always approached that work with dedication a good heart and an attitude of service ....looking for the best solutions for the people of Kansas rather than seeking political advantage. He was a true statesman and a fine public servant. I was privileged to call him my friend.
Donna Whiteman
September 29, 2013
Sue and Family,
I had the opportunity to sit next to Rick in the Kansas House of Representatives from 1985 through 1990.
Rick was the epitome of what we all expect of a statesman and leader. In the words of John Quincy Adams, his life and actions, whether in the classroom, on the playing field or in the Kansas House of Representatives, inspired others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more. He was passionate about opportunities for children and public education. As Chairman of the House Education Committee, Representative Bowden was the House leader and spokesman for the historic 1992 changes to the Kansas School Finance formula that benefited all Kansas school children. Rick was a person of great integrity and committed to making life better for others. While he worked tirelessly to help students, athletes and Kansans, his real joy in life was spending time with Sue and watching his daughters grow into beautiful and accomplished young adults.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
September 29, 2013
Sue and girls, Martha and I were saddened to hear of Ricks passing, you as family are in our prayers.
Lynn Aaron
Gene and Claudia Elkins
September 29, 2013
Sue and Family,
We were so deeply saddened to hear of Rick's sudden passing. He was a wonderful man and a good Kansas Son. You have our heartfelt sympathy as you grieve through this difficult time.
Love,
Sandy Folger Dlugas
September 29, 2013
Sue & Family, We are so sorry we are unable to attend Rick's service. Mother was so pleased to see Rick last weekend and feels blessed to have gotten to spend some time with him. He was such a kind man. May God bless you all. All of our love.
Betty MCMillen
September 29, 2013
Mr Bowden was a teacher, mentor, and coach to my three children at Goddard High School and they all admired and respected him, as we did also as parents. He will be missed.
Tracy (Schnittker)Knapp
September 28, 2013
God Bless you all at this time of great sorrow. There are never the right words for such sadness. I find comfort in the many words spoken in the past for a man that made a part in my life and in many others. God Bless you Rick Bowden. I am certain not to be the only student to speak of you with many a kind word and memory. Peace to ALL that know you and were touched by your efforts.
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