Richard Washburn Bowles

Richard Washburn Bowles, who had lived the past 11 years in Lubbock, TX passed away May 3, 2023. Cremation has taken place and a grave side memorial and burial service will be held in Hardesty, Oklahoma at the Range Cemetery, 11:00 a.m. on August 26, 2023. Richard was born in Wichita, Kansas on October 20, 1931. He grew up in Hardesty, enthusiastically playing basketball and baseball on the Hardesty High School teams and graduated in May of 1948. He left Hardesty after graduation to join the US Air Force, serving as a radio operator through 1952 . He was a proud, patriotic American his entire life. After serving in the Air Force, Richard returned to the Hardesty area and through his work in construction in Borger, TX he met and married his wife Juanita Faye Woods. They moved to the San Diego, CA area where Richard became a Greyhound bus driver for three years before returning to Hardesty and beginning his long career as a Construction Manager, Senior Superintendent and Vice President. Along with his work, he also enjoyed being a 32nd Degree Mason and a lifetime member of the Scottish Rites Shriners society. Richard and his family travelled and lived in many states and countries during his career, but always called Hardesty their hometown. Richard was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Morris and Dennis, his sister Barbara, and his beloved son Richard H. Bowles. Survivors are his wife of 66 years, Juanita; his daughter Ronda Faye Rotelli and husband Lionel, of Richmond Hill, GA; his daughter Ruth Ellen Bowles and grandson Alexander Neglein of Dallas, TX; daughter in law Nancy Bowles of Missouri; and his last surviving first cousin, Lavita Joy Hush of Plains, KS. He is also survived by nieces, India Bowles of S. Padre Island, TX; Sonja Franz and husband Clay of Hardesty, OK; Starlette Gill of Lubbock, TX; Patricia Woods of Richmond Hill, GA; and Shannon Weigel and husband Mike, of Pearland, TX. Along with his nephews Dr. Bill Bowles and wife Dawn of Hattiesburg, MS; and Mark Bowles of Liberal, KS. Additionally, Richard has several great nieces and nephews; a few great, great nieces and nephews; and one great, great, great nephew - Elijah Gill of Lubbock, TX. Richard W. Bowles treasured a hearty laugh, quality scotch and a fine cigar. He lived his life to the fullest, with humor and love, for a wonderfully robust 91 years.

Richard Washburn Bowles

October 20, 1931 - May 3, 2023