Larry Wade Bowen, 85, died peacefully on April 21, 2026.
He was born on April 11, 1941, in Killeen and later made his home in Lampasas.
Larry enlisted in the United States Navy in 1959, serving aboard the USS Herbert J. Thomas and the USS Hector.
After returning to Copperas Cove, he married the love of his life, Barbara S. George, on Jan. 15, 1965.
He began his career with Lone Star Gas before transitioning into construction, where he worked as a skilled trim carpenter. Larry later secured licenses in plumbing and HVAC, demonstrating his commitment to mastering his craft. He joined his brother, John Bowen, at Bowen Real Estate, earning his Real Estate Broker’s license along the way.
Larry ultimately built a long civil service career at Fort Hood as a planner/estimator for heating, ventilation and air-conditioning. He retired in 2003 after 25 years of service.
Larry had a deep love for woodworking and was known for his remarkable craftsmanship and attention to detail. He found great joy at his home in Pidcoke, where he and Barbara raised goats, cared for their beloved pet donkeys and kept a wellstocked fishing pond. His grandchildren called him “Grandpa with the donkey,” a nickname that brought him immense joy.
After the death of his wife, Larry relocated to Lampasas. In his later years, he devoted himself to preserving his family’s legacy by writing two books documenting the histories of both his mother’s and father’s families. Alongside his friend Peggy Wolfe, Larry traveled far and wide researching family records and stories.
Larry was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara Bowen; his father, Charlie Swope Bowen; his mother, Kittie Diserens Bowen Jerome; and brothers John W. Bowen and Howard E. Bowen.
He is survived by his son, John D. Bowen and wife Christine of Lampasas; his daughter, Teressa Bowen Hattaway and Duke Moore of Granger; sister-in law Judy Bowen of Copperas Cove; grandchildren Jennifer Chappell and husband Dustin, Jarrod Bowen and wife Amanda, Collin Bowen and wife Alyssa, all of Lampasas; Austin Hattaway of Jarrell; Abby Powell and husband Nathan of Georgetown; and Jade Fox and Stephen Painter of Bay City; as well as 13 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
He is also survived by his faithful friend, Peggy Wolfe of Lampasas.
Visitation will be held at Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home in Copperas Cove on May 5 from 1-2 p.m., with the funeral service at the same location at 2 p.m.
A graveside service will follow at Pidcoke Cemetery from 3-3:30 p.m.
