Robert William 'Bob' Bowman

Robert "Bob" William Bowman peacefully passed away September 25, 2013 at the age of 73 while in route to see the annual Buffalo Round-up in Rapid City, South Dakota. Robert was born to John Earl and Laura Elizabeth Bowman in Sterling, Illinois on February, 19, 1940, fourth in a family of 5 Children. Robert married Wanda Ruth Atwood on June 9, 1962 in Geneseo, Illinois and was happily married for over 51 years. He received his Degree in Mechanical engineering from DeVry Technical Institute and worked for McDonnell Douglas Aircraft Corporation before partnering with his brother John Bowman and moving to New Mexico to start a business in 1971. Together the two brothers brought their families from Missouri to New Mexico to purchase a small retail store selling televisions, pianos and organs. John was to run the financial side and Bob was to run the service side of the business. Within a year, Bob bought out his brother and John went back to banking. Bob and his wife, Wanda ran the operation together with steady growth for the next 42 years. The business was originally known as La Fiesta TV and Music and later became Bowman's Curtis Mathes Center. The business now sells furniture as the Ashley Furniture HomeStore. Bob was a generous and kind hearted man who felt an obligation to and enjoyed giving back to the community and supporting the youth. He especially enjoyed supporting the NMSU Aggie athletics. Bob's real love was spending time with his grand children traveling with his wife. He passed away doing what he loved. Robert is survived by his wife Wanda Bowman of Las Cruces, and three children; Daughter Kathleen Rubio and son-in-law Reuben Rubio of Spring Arbor, Michigan, Son Kurtis Bowman and Daughter in law Katherine of Austin, Texas and Son Paul and daughter-in-law Carolyn of Las Cruces. Robert is survived by 12 grandchildren; Daniel Rubio, Julianna Slager, Angelina Dickinson, Reuben Rubio III, Raquella Rubio, Miranda Rubio, Alicia Rubio, Blaine Bowman, Brynn Bowman, Logan Bowman, Preston Bowman, Harper Jane Bowman and one great grandson; Judah Slager. Robert is survived by one brother, Richard Bowman of Geneseo, Illinois. Visitation for Robert and family will be at Getz Funeral Home Sunday, September 29, 2013 from 5