Ronald Clay Bowen, age 45, passed away unexpectedly at his Refugio County family ranch on Saturday, January 26, 2008. He was born September 9, 1962 in Falfurrias, Texas to Robert L. Bowen and Bonnie Giles Bowen who have preceded him in death. He is survived by his loving wife of 16 years, Janice (Dunn) Bowen and son, Preston, of Kerrville. He is also survived by his "udder mudder" Jennifer Bowen-Bates of Corpus Christi, sister Bobbye (Charles) Patton of San Antonio, brother Robert (Rhonda) Bowen Jr.of Harlingen, and sister Lisa (Tom) White of Fairhope, Alabama. Ron was, also, loved by his in-laws Nelda and Kenneth Dunn of Riviera, brothers-in-law James (Delia ) of Portland, Kenny Dunn of Kerrville, and Alan Dunn of Riviera. In addition Uncle Ronnie showered affection upon his nieces and nephews Bo and Bonni, Zachary and Catherine, Kathryn and Caroline, and James Lee and Heather. Additionally, there are numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family members, and many, many close friends. He was well known from the Texas valley to the hill country.
Things came easy to Ron. Tennis and basketball were sports he played and excelled in while attending Premont High School. He placed in tennis at the State competition in 1979 and 1980. Trinity University offered him a tennis scholarship, but he chose instead to attend Southwest Texas State University (Texas State University) where he majored in business. After leaving college he worked in his family's business in Premont at Bowen Enterprises. While living in Premont he married his best friend and the love of his life, Janice Dunn, from Riviera. Soon thereafter, they moved to Kerrville. Following his father's footsteps, Ron, along with his wife Janice, started their own Church's Chicken business which has thrived since 1993.
Ron had a great love for music. Dancing, cruising on a Harley, "toobin" on the Frio river, traveling, fishing and hunting, were all things he loved doing with his family. He was the family "social director." At the Garner State Park dances he was always the helpful uncle who sought out eligible dance partners for his nieces and nephews. The family ranch was a source of adventure, too. From learning to cook beans in an iron kettle over a camp fire to teaching the next generation proper hunting technique, he took on each task with enthusiasm and a motive to find a shortcut when possible. Coming together at mealtime was a favorite activity with family, as well. During meals it wasn't uncommon for him to reach over with his own fork and have a bite of your dinner, also. He was "sharing." He wasn't willing to share his favorite lemon meringue pie made by his mother-in-law, Nelda Dunn. Ron was a loving son, brother, husband, the best dad ever, a friend to many, and a gentleman to all.
Ron gave of his time, his means and, most of all, himself. Through his generous spirit, his charm, his sincerity, and his kind nature he made true friends. He was a member of St. Peter's Episcopal Church. God had truly blessed him with abundance, and he believed in sharing his good fortune to bless others. He, especially, enjoyed helping children, since in his heart he was still a big kid himself. Joy and light-heartedness were with him wherever he went, and he spread them around in great quantity. To say he was loved and will be missed by many is an understatement. In his short life, he lived fully and with gusto.
Ron always did whatever he wanted to do, and he always did the right thing.
