1924
2014
R. Lewis Bowman, 90, a 50 year resident of Bisbee, AZ, succumbed to a brief acute illness at Carondelet St. Mary's Hospital on 11/16/2014. As a rodeo cowboy, cattleman, insurance and real estate broker, sherriff's officer, and culminating as an author of the "Bumfuzzled" books, Lewis led a life with no regrets. His writings and cowboy quips honored those western unsung heroes who helped shape this country in the early 20th century. Sadly, our world is now without another of his special breed.
Preceded in death by his wife, Barbara in 1994, he is survived by his two sons David (Nancy) and Doug (Carolyn) and his long time loved one, Mary Leighton, all of Tucson, AZ. His sister, Rhetta Wilson of Payson , AZ and her family continue to be a source of pride and enjoyment. His deceased sisters, Cleo Hevelone and Pat White, have families who continue in their productive lives in Arizona.
As his stay at the hospital was so short, he almost pulled off the universal cowboy code of dying with his boots on. Had it not been for some arcane ICU dress code, he likely would have realized this dream. Although federal and state regulations may have prevented the Justin Boots motif, he would have had a not too kind opinion of another worthless bureaucratic intrusion.
Preferring a good robust spring with filaree and mesquite beans over flowers, Lewis would request donations be made in his name to the Charles W Leighton, Jr. Hospice, 524 W. Maley Pl., Willcox, AZ 85644.
Services will be held, starting with a visitation and reception, Friday Novemeber 21, 11:00-1:00, with the service presided over by a favorite nephew, Dave "Tim" Cordaro, at the Carr-Tenney Funeral Home, 2621 S. Rural Rd., Tempe, AZ. Interment will be at the Double Butte Cemetery, 2505 W. Broadway, Tempe, AZ. A "Celebration of Life" will be planned for a later date.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
4 Entries
December 9, 2014
Lewis gave my mother, Earline Tidwell, her first puppy when she was a toddler. Her family were close friends with the Bixby's and ranchers in the Globe area. Lewis was working for the Bixby's at the time. I so enjoyed his company at the many bull sales and conventions over the years. His wit and wisdom were good rules to live by.
Cindy Tidwell Shelton
November 27, 2014
Pete Campbell
We'll be "better when it rains," Lew, but we'll never be whole without you. So you just keep visitin' us, young feller, because your presence will surely be felt by we who were lucky to know you. And save some room up there for us, because we need all the help we can get! Our thanks to you, Lew, from your "borderline" posse in Bisbee-Naco, and Turquoise Valley
November 20, 2014
Harmon and Shirley Claridge
So sorry to hear of Uncle Lewis's passing. My thought,s go out to David and Doug and the rest of the family. He was such a neat person and will miss his yearly christmas card visits.
November 19, 2014
Peter & Leslie Lawson
Dang It Lew, the Calgary Stampede - in fact EVERY rodeo - will never be the same. You visited as an 8 year old, and an 88 year old .. when we had the pleasure of hearing you holler out "STEER? You call that a STEER? Well when I was young(er) that was called a CALF!" - But the bulls still impressed you!
Never short of an anecdote or a smile; you're sorely missed already. Our condolences to Mary; the family you always spoke so highly of; and from all of us who knew you ... "Happy Trails, Until we meet again ..."
Respectfully, your Turquoise Valley family.
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Resthaven / Carr-Tenney Mortuary & Memorial Gardens4310 East Southern Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85042
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