Robert James Bowers

Robert James Bowers, age 61, passed away at home in Longview on Wednesday, July 26th after a valiant and courageous 18 month battle with cancer. He is survived by his loving wife of 41 years and high school sweetheart Christy Andresen Bowers; their sons, daughters-in-law, and grandchildren Ryan James and Ashley Impson Bowers and five year old Aria Eden Bowers of Longview, Aaron John and Marquise Mattox Bowers, nine year old Veronica Jolie Bowers and six year old Korbin Alexander Bowers of Colorado springs, Colorado; mother and stepfather Barbara Natoli Mutchler and Miles Mutchler of Mineola; brother Michael Charles Bowers who resides in Belize; mother-in-law Helen Andresen of Longview and an extended family that includes aunt and uncle Dr. Robert and Jessie Natoli, cousins Lauren Natoli Kopp and Lisa Natoli Burke, all of whom helped care for him during his final days.

He also leaves behind countless friends and co-workers whose lives he repeatedly touched with humor and compassion. He is preceded in death by his father, Bill James Bowers; father-in-law Richard John Andresen; grandparents Ezra and Annie Bowers, and J. Robert and Grace Natoli.

Robert was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma on June 27, 1956. He moved to Richardson, Texas in 1967. a gifted athlete, Robert played football and basketball throughout his youth. He attended Texas Tech University prior to his marriage to Christy in 1976 and spent 23 years in the Dallas area as a self-employed lineman for Southwestern Bell before moving with his family to Longview in 1993. Robert was an engaging people person who put his skills to work at Big Five Tire and Auto and Lowe's before joining Reliable Management in 2014, where hi loved going to work every day and the people he worked with were like family. He leaves behind many co-workers who will miss his quick wit, positive outlook, hearty laugh, and contagious smile.

Robert's family wishes to thank his Longview doctors: Dr. Robert Cary, Dr. Gregory Edwards, and Dr. Rama Koya and the wonderful staff at Texas Oncology-Longview Cancer Center; Drs. Ganesh Raj and Maynur Narayan and the extended care team at U.T. Southwestern Medical Center's William P. Clements Hospital in Dallas; the nurses and staff at Longview regional Hospital and, with most heartfelt appreciation , his caregivers from Lifecare Hospice in Longview.

A celebration of Robert's life will be held from family and friends on Saturday, August 26th in Longview; information can be obtained by contacting a family member. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to Lifecare Hospice, 911 W Loop 281, Ste. 204 Longview, TX 75604. "As time goes on, I realize just what you mean to me...color my world with hope of loving you.