Ben Bowman

Ben Bowman, 85, of Ballinger, Texas, passed away Wednesday, February 17, 2016 at Shannon Medical Center in San Angelo.

Benjamin Franklin Bowman, Jr. was born on November 21, 1930, in Maverick, Texas, to Benjamin Franklin and Dora Mae (Harrell) Bowman. After graduating from high school and from business college, Ben served his country honorably from 1952 to 1954 as a US Army paratrooper. He served with his brother and best friend, Melvin, and they tore up the fast-pitch softball circuit with Ben as pitcher and Melvin as catcher.

Ben owned and operated a restaurant in Ballinger for a time and was employed by the Maverick County Water District in Eagle Pass for five years. He also worked for Alta Verde Industries for seven years.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Beverly; brothers, J.K., R.W.,W.C. and Virgil; and sisters, Leona Spivey and Alta Laudermilk.

Ben is survived by his wife, Reita of Ballinger; his children, Benjamin F. Bowman III of Devine and Dawn A. Luther of El Paso; brother, Melvin Bowman of Hearne; and sister, Dorene Edborg of San Angelo. Also surviving are one grandchild and five great-grandchildren all from El Paso.

Visitation for family and friends will be Friday, February 19, from 7:00 to 8:00 pm at Lange Funeral Home in Ballinger. A graveside service will be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday, February 20, at the Paint Rock Cemetery.