Robert Larry "Doc" Bowen

He was born in Austin, Texas at old Seton Hospital, December 8, 1940 to Harold and Gatha Bowen. Doc graduated from Austin High School in 1959. He attended Texas A&M and was in the Corp of Cadets. He earned a degree in Animal Husbandry and later a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from Texas A&M Veterinary School in 1969. He served two years in the United States Army Intelligence during the Vietnam War.

Doc’s first job out of veterinary school was in Arkadelphia, Arkansas where he took over Joe Cox’s cattle practice. He returned to Austin in 1971 and practiced at Town and Country Veterinary Clinic. In 1975, he opened his own practice, Manchaca Village Veterinary Clinic. He retired in 1995.

Doc was blessed with gifted hands that he used as a doctor, fisherman, hunter, craftsman, and artist. He was also involved in Native American Community. Doc shared his talents in painting, sculpture, carving, and beading that reflected his many passions in life. He could FIX ANYTHING brought to him broken or simply needing his special attention. Anything he touched, he made better and often more beautiful.

Doc was survived by his beloved wife, Margaret Ann Bowen; daughter, Deenie Bowen of Austin; daughter and son-in-law, MaryLynne and Dennis Reagan and their daughter, Chelsey of Leander; son and daughter-in-law, Eric and Chris Bowen and their daughters, Kyle, Ryan, and Jackson of Austin; and his brother and sister-in-law, John and Kathy Bowen of Jacksboro, Texas.

Doc made a difference in this world. He made lifelong friends where ever he went, cracked corny jokes just to see you smile, and reminded us all to be loving and compassionate towards each other by example. He took a moment to say thanks after each fish caught. He had a sweet and gentle way about him, went with the flow and loved his family (immediate and extended) with everything he had. He could brighten your day with a simple wink and loving smile. To put it simply, he was the most wonderful, caring man there ever was.

The family will receive friends at 1:00 p.m., Sunday, February 12, 2012, with services to follow at 2:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Cook Walden/Forest Oaks Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Live Oak Cemetery in Manchaca, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice Austin or to the Parsons Mounted Calvary at Texas A&M.