Jack Ray Bowden

July 29, 1918 - March 11, 2017
JACK RAY BOWDEN, 98, died March 11, 2017 in San Antonio, following a short illness. He was born July 29, 1918 in McKinney, Texas to Jodi Jackson Bowden and Willie Lee Stapp Bowden.

Jack was a fifth generation Texan whose great great grandfather Elijah Stapp signed the Texas Declaration of Independence in 1836 at Washington-on-the-Brazos. His great grandfather William Preston Stapp was part of the Mier Expedition fighting in Northern Mexico in 1842 and was captured. Although General Santa Anna ordered all of the prisoners shot, instead, a game of chance based on drawing a black or white bean spared 90 per cent of those captured, including Jack's great grandfather.

Jack's early years were spent in McKinney where he rode a horse bareback to school. His father worked in a mill, and after injuring his leg, the family moved to the Temple-Belton area.

In the late 1930s, Jack joined the Civilian Conservation Corps working in Colorado as a mess sergeant. He then joined the U.S. Army at Fort Sam Houston prior to World War II to serve in the field artillery. During the war, Jack was in General George Patton's army in North Africa, and then participated in the landing at Salerno, Italy, in June 1943. Though he was not a pilot in the military, he had a private pilot's license and once was called upon to fly a plane directing anti-aircraft fire at the German army, an operation in which he was wounded. After the war, Jack started the Mohawk Equipment Co. in Temple, Texas making and selling 60 inch mowers. He later sold Mohawk, and worked for other companies selling farm equipment. He also built and owned other businesses including a gas station and a restaurant. Jack moved to San Antonio in the 1970s where he remained until his death.

Jack taught himself to play the piano, was an avid world traveler, and an expert ballroom dancer, at one time belonging to five dance clubs. He was a member of Universal City United Methodist Church, Friendship Force of San Antonio, Alzafar Shrine, Elks Lodge, and Masonic Lodge. He participated in the Walk to Emmaus retreat. Jack was a devoted family man with strong character and integrity.

Beloved survivors include Jack's wife of the past 21 years, Martha Renno Bowden; a daughter Lori Younce and grandchildren Britt and Devin Davis; stepson Barry Bowden, grandchildren Lynn Robertson and John Bowden, along with great grandchildren Grace and Emily Robertson; and niece Shirley Lankford and her children, Jona, Robin, and Trae. Relatives who preceded Jack in death include his son, Jackie Lee Bowden; his parents; his sister Elsie and her daughter Cristy Stamper; and wife Goldie Bowden.

There will be a memorial service with reception to follow on Thursday, March 16th at 11 a.m. at Universal City United Methodist Church, 90 Winn Ave., Universal City (210-659-5555). In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts to Universal City UMC for the Building Fund will be gratefully accepted. Burial at North Belton Cemetery will be private.