Gordon Alphonse Bowden Sr.

1933 - 2014

Gordon Alphonse Bowden Sr., 80, loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and hero, went from his earthly home to his heavenly home Sunday, March 2, 2014. Memorial service: 2 p.m. Sunday, March 9, in Lucas Funeral Home Chapel. He was preceded in death by his father, Clifford G. Bowden; mother, Rena B. Bowden; his loving wife, Judy Maurice Bowden; his sister, Eleanor "Kay" Bowden Fourcade; his daughter, Jan E. Bowden Cowan; his granddaughter, Amy Nicole Bornheim; and his grandson, Michael Silvia. Gordon "Big Gordon" was born on Aug. 16, 1933, in Slidell, La., and was the oldest of four children. He grew up in his hometown of Slidell and throughout his life he accomplished many things. He attended Slidell High School and was active in every school club and sport. Daddy was an all-round athlete and loved participating in football, basketball, baseball and wrestling. And was fortunate to not only play sports while in high school but also coached with Coach McDermott. He was also an avid hunter and fisherman, his activities included alligator and bear wrestling, frog gigging and duck hunting providing tales of which would later entertain us and others for many years to come. He joined and served eight years in the United States Air Force and traveled the world. He was last stationed at Carswell AFB in Fort Worth, where in 1955 at a USO dance at the YWCA, he met the love of his life and soul mate, Judy Maurice Bowden. They married on April 5, 1957. He was devoted to his loving wife whom he adored and five children, 16 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. Upon leaving the Air Force, Gordon began his career at General Dynamics and where he worked for 33 years as an engineer and later a technical writer. He retired to enjoy spending time with his family and friends. Gordon enjoyed playing golf and hosting and attending family gatherings. Family meant everything to Daddy. Whether it was by blood or by heart, Daddy thought family came first. He was a wonderful Daddy who was firm-handed and warm-hearted. He was first date for his daughters, dance teacher, swimming instructor and coach to not only his children but the neighborhood as well. He is now and will continue to be missed dearly by all those whose lives he touched. Survivors: Children, Lisa Silvia (Ronnie), Sherilyn Bornheim (David), Gordon Bowden Jr. (Pollie), Kathlene Bowden James (Jeremy Yoder); son-in-law, Michael Cowan; siblings, Thomas E. "Eddie" Bowden (Patti) and Sherry L. Stokes (John); sister-in-law, Nita Maurice Guynn; brother-in-law, Reggie Maurice (Pattie); grandchildren, Jennifer (Chad) Crawford, Eric (Jessica) Cowan, Jamie Cowan Schad, Ryan Silvia (Krista), Blake and Brandon Silvia, Stephanie Stewart, Steven (Jennifer) Silvia, Stacey (Jon) Haydel, Jessica (Nicholas) Farish, Bryce (Lauren) Bowden, Scott and Shelby Lynne Bowden, Joseph James Jr.; great-grandchildren, Hagen and Berkeley Crawford, Jeffrey Stewart, Chase Stringer, J.P. Haydel, Reagan and Skylar Silvia, Riley and Harper Silvia, Landon and Hudson Schad, Alexis and Kyler Cowan, Brady Farish, Ayden and Brody Bowden; adopted son, Dominic Willis; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends whose lives enriched his, becoming chosen family members.