Robert John Bowman

Robert John “RJ” Bowman, 73, of Pace, FL, passed away in his home, on Friday, November 17, 2017, of natural causes. He was born in Pensacola, FL, on July 18, 1944, to Robert Leslie Bowman and Dannie Elsie Guernsey Bowman. He graduated from Milton High School in 1962.

Robert John was a native and lifelong resident of the Pace area. He served his country as an U.S. Army Reserve Veteran. Robert John left masonry landmarks in the region through his meticulous and artistic brick work; a recent find was the beautiful chimney atop his home was found carved with a dedication to his daughter, Carol Sue.

Adventurous in his early years, Robert John was a member of the Rodeo Cowboys Association (now PCRA) and mostly rode bareback horses and bulls. After riding roughstock, he later roped calves. He was an avid water skier and enjoyed RV camping and fishing with his daughter, Carol Sue. Robert John was drawn to the community of the Elks Lodge and was proud to be a long-time Elks Lodge member since 1968. He found a passion in playing darts and proudly demonstrated his skill by traveling to regional dart tournaments over the years.

One of Robert John’s favorite desserts his mother would make was her famous pound cake, and he always enjoyed her sugar cookies during the holidays. He was thrilled that his nieces and the church family community continued the tradition of pound cake and sugar cookies after his mother’s passing. It meant a lot to him.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Robert Leslie Bowman, and Dannie Elsie Guernsey Bowman; and his first wife, and mother of his daughter, Thelma June Hinote (married 1969-1972).

Robert John is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Carol Sue Bowman Russell and Michael Russell; two grandchildren, Amelia Kate Russell (6yo) and Winston Robert Eugene Russell (3yo); two brothers and their wives, Charles Norman and Linda Bowman and Carl Leslie and Debi Bowman; and his former wife, Betty Lynn Poss (married 1984-2005).

Graveside services for Robert John will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, November 25, 2017, at Serenity Gardens Cemetery, in Milton, Florida (in the monument section at the back of the cemetery). Lewis Funeral Home, Milton, has been entrusted with arrangements.