Merle Ray Bowen Sr.

Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 PM on Wednesday, June 5, 2013 at Legacy Church of God in Wichita Falls, Texas. Interment will follow in the Garden of Inspiration at Crestview Memorial Park. Visitation will be from 6:00 until 8:00 in the evening on Tuesday, June 4, 2013 at Hampton Vaughan Funeral Home.

Merle was born on March 6, 1937 in Garber, Oklahoma to George E. and Ruby ( Ray ) Bowen. He was a welder by trade and worked for Gulf, Texaco, Shell and other oil companies. Merle owned B&B Bit and Tool in Wichita Falls, Texas. He was raised in Archer City from the age of 4, moved to California in 1964 and then to Ft. Stockton, Texas in 1977. Merle was a member of Legacy Church of God. He loved to fish and enjoyed working. Merle also loved spending time with his family.

Merle is preceded in death by his parents; George and Ruby, one sister; Beulah Mae Hoffman, daughter; Ladonna Bowen and a son; Marty Ray Bowen.

He is survived by his wife; Linda Nell of Wichita Falls, sons; Ricky Lee Bowen of Wichita Falls and Merle Ray Bowen Jr. of Iowa Park, daughter Tonya Merlice Wells of Tennessee, sisters; Betty Joe McKee of Bowie and Barbara Jean Herron of Lake Jackson, 10 Grandchildren and several Great-Grandchildren.