W. H. Bowen

Private First-Class W. H. Bowen, 93, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on November 4, 2020. “Dub” was a decorated Veteran who served in World War II with the 397th Military Police Battalion stationed in Nurnberg, Germany. While stationed in the European Theatre of Operations, he guarded trains with American supplies and equipment. He maintained the safety of the railroad and workers. He received certificates and badges for his marksmanship and became a Rifleman (trained at Camp Wolters), along with receiving the Army of Occupation Medal and the World War II Victory Medal.

Dub Bowen was born on February 6, 1927 in Albany, TX to his parents James Earnest and Danner Victoria Bowen. Before going into the Army, Dub was a truck driver and when he was just 18, he decided to join the Army and was stationed at Camp Bliss in Big Springs, TX. After he re-enlisted, he was stationed at Camp Pickett in Virginia. He would go on to serve in World War II.

After serving in World War II, Dub spent time in Harlingen, TX driving trucks from farms to markets. After spending time in the Valley and Del Rio area, he ended up in the Corpus Christi area where he continued to drive trucks and later became a dispatcher for Quality Service. Dub hauled cement and tanker trucks and he was awarded with a million-mile plaque. He finally called his home in Lakeside, Mathis, TX.

When he wasn’t working, Dub had a passion for telling great stories, fishing, hanging out at Kay & Ray's ranch in Freer, and he loved to BBQ, but only told a select few his secrets to his sauces and techniques. Most of all he loved spending time with family and friends, and especially enjoyed all his grandkids and great grandkids. He was the best Papa, Father, Grandfather, Brother and Friend. He had a heart of gold and would do anything for anyone. Would definitely give you the shirt off his back. After losing his hand in a trucking accident, he continued to drive and work hard whether it was at his home, work or helping a friend. He didn’t let that stop him one bit. He roofed houses, built additions, and so much more. Dub had the biggest garden and supplied family, friends and strangers with many vegetables. Dub and his wife, Evelyn was big on canning everything they could can from their garden. Of course, they would share them with family and friends as well. Every year he said “I’m not doing a big garden this year”. And there it was, another big garden! He was such a loveable, kind-hearted man always knew anything about everything. His smile would light up a room. He had the most funniest catch phrases (most I cannot repeat).

W. H. Bowen was preceded in death by Wife, Evelyn Bowen; Father, Earnest Bowen; Mother, Danner Victoria Bowen; Brother, Jack Bowen; Sister, Beatrice Hodges; Brother, Donald Bowen; Daughter Tommy Joy Foy. He is survived by Daughter, Kay Ready (Ray); Son, James Penna; Son, Kenneth Penna; Daughter, Judith Myers (Tim); Daughter, Brenda Tomme (Troy); Daughter, Elizabeth Hinson (Tom); Grandkids: Kitten Work, Henry Work, David Anderson, Kayla Martinez (Jamie), Frederick Delius, Courtney Colston (Collin), Samantha Penna, Brendan Montgomery, Steven Montgomery, Colton Hinson, and Braden Montgomery; and a total of 13 Great Grandkids.

The family requests that flowers be sent to Sawyer George Funeral Home, 12497 Leopard Street, Corpus Christi, TX. There will be a viewing held on November 11th 2020 (Veteran’s Day), from 5-8 pm. The burial will be held on Monday, November 16th, 2020 with Full Honors at Coastal Bend State Veterans Cemetery, 9974 I-37, Corpus Christi, TX.