Sparkman/Hillcrest Funeral Home & Hillcrest Mausoleum & Memorial Park
7405 West Northwest Highway, Dallas, TX
OBITUARY
Alexander Wade Bolton
May 3, 1985 – October 21, 2017
Alex Bolton had a welcoming demeanor, a genuine concern for those around him, and an irreverent sense of humor. Anyone who ever met him wanted to spend more time with him. That’s why his sudden passing on Saturday is even more tragic. Alex used to joke that he was like a shooting star who burned brightly for a short time, and then faded away quickly. Looking back on his many accomplishments and lives that he touched, there appears to be no analogy more fitting. Alex was born in Alexandria Louisiana, the youngest of a large family. He attended Alexandria Senior High School and then Baylor University. After college, he attended the Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law. He was a hard worker and very capable attorney, focusing his practice on family law and ultimately working at Duffee + Eitzen in Dallas. It was practicing family law that cemented his desire not to have children or get married. It was only when he met his partner and love of his life, Gary Lee “J.R.” Gower Jr., that he began to relax his position on the latter. With J.R., Alex was a proud father to Wheaton Terriers Archibald Finnius and Oliver Randolph. Every person who ever joined Alex for a Diet Coke (or Tito’s and soda), a scenic Dallas drive, or an East Dallas kiki will forever remember his laughter and enjoyment of life. He leaves behind many grateful colleagues and friends spanning from Alexandria to Waco, to Dallas, and beyond. His innumerable contributions to the Dallas Association of Young Lawyers, the Dallas Symphony Orchestra Vivaldi Patron Circle, and the Dallas Masonic Lodge will live on for many years to come. He was preceded in death by Roscoe A. Bolton, Rebecca Blayne Bolton, and June W. Henry. He is survived by Parents Carol and Bruce Kinder, Tommy and Amie Bolton; Partner Gary Lee “JR” Gower Jr.; Grandmother Sue M. Bolton; Siblings Shannon Ater Landry, Dan Ater (Rhonda), Thomas A. Bolton Jr (Chanel), Jennifer Bolton- Loup (Mark), Ryan Kinder (Angel), Stacey Kinder-Belle (Keith), Emilie Amie' Steinberg (Ethan) and Marshall Jones (Tyler); 15 Nieces and Nephews; and a host of friends and family. Pallbearers Dan Lewis, Daniel Baskind, Matt Davis, Brandon Hurwitz, Ethan Minshull, and Gerry Larmeu. Visitation will be Thursday, October 26, 2017 from 9:00 am to 11:00 am at Sparkman/Hillcrest Funeral Home, 7405 W. Northwest Hwy, Dallas, TX 75225. A Memorial Service will be immediately after the visitation at 12:00 pm Noon at Northway Christian Church, 7202 W. Northwest Hwy, Dallas, TX 75225. Donations may be made in Alex’s honor to the Dallas Association of Young Lawyers Foundation, 2101 Ross Ave., Dallas, TX 75201. Online condolences may be made at www.Sparkman-Hillcrest.com.
Services
- Visitiation Thursday, October 26, 2017
- Funeral Service Thursday, October 26, 2017
Memories
Alexander Wade Bolton
have a memory or condolence to add?
ADD A MEMORYCindy Brumfield
November 28, 2017
Carol, JR, Family, Friends and to all who knew & Loved Alex.
I think of Alex & my friend, his mom Carol, every day. They have a special bond & were alike in many ways. They both light up a room & made you feel honored to have their love & friendship. He is truly your guardian Angel, just look up, he is watching.
He will always be with us in our hearts. JR, I only met you once but immediately knew why you meant so much to Alex. You are a special person with wonderful life qualities.
Alex would want all of us to remember him for that smile he put on our face, the times we laughed together & his genuine love and interest he showed in All things dear to him. My daily thoughts & prayers will continue for you all.
Love, Cindy Brumfield, Lafayette, LA
November 27, 2017
Dear Bolton family,
I learned recently of Alex's passing and know that he was a former student of Alexandria Country Day School. Our entire ACDS school family would like to extend our deepest condolences for this tragic loss. Many who attended school with Alex remember him fondly. The Country Day family is thinking of you at this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Nancy Rials
Head of School
Alexandria Country Day School
November 13, 2017
Carol,
My heart breaks for you and your family. You know with gods grace and glory your heart will heal in time and you will see him again.
love you
Chip and Brenda Naramore
Thelma Clardy
November 3, 2017
I'm so sorry to hear of Alex's passing. I didn't know him very well but I did see him from time to time at the courthouse. He always seemed to have a smile on his face. My deepest condolences to his family, his firm, and friends. May he rest in peace.
Dianne Nida
October 26, 2017
My condolences on the loss of Alex. He was a wonderful young man. I haven't seen him since he graduated from ASH. We had a great time in Choir!
God bless you all.
Bob and Dianne Nida
October 26, 2017
May God's loving kindness and comfort help you and your family through this very sad time. Psalms 29:11
Carol Ann (Cat) Thompson
October 26, 2017
My heart goes out to the Bolton family for this tragic loss. Knowing the Bolton family and Alex since his birth, he was a fine young man and had a rich life ahead of him. May God put His comforting hand upon each of you.
V.
October 25, 2017
God is close to the broken hearted psmals 34. 18 & 19.
Shenica Nelson
October 25, 2017
To the Alumni of Alexandria Senior High, I mourn with you. To the parents and close friends and acquaintances of Alex, I am praying for you. May God provide you with comfort during your time of bereavement!
October 25, 2017
To all of the friends, family and colleagues whose lives Alex touched, we're so sorry for your tragic loss of someone so wonderful, smart and funny. We knew Alex professionally, and came to really like him personally.
Ryan West and Kym Rodgers
Mary Rumfield
October 25, 2017
JR, I am so sorry for your loss. I always looked forward to seeing you on break and getting to hear about the wonderful adventures you and Alex always had. The trips, the entertaining, the wonderful meals you cooked. It was so clear that both of you were very happy and enjoyed life to the fullest. Life filled with laughter. My heart and prayers are with you and all of Alex's family. The grief ahead will be so hard to endure, it is at those times you must turn to your happy and wonderful memories of Alex to make it through. God Bless.
Alison Khanania
October 25, 2017
My deepest Condolences to Alex's Family partner & love of his life,friends, work collegues at Duffee+Eitzen and aquaintances. He truly was a bright that shined and touched my life and many lives ,with many a conversation we had he always put a smile on my face,sweet soul and genuinely had a concern for everyone, God truly has an angel with him now, will be truly missed by many, thank you Alex god bless X
Lindy McMahan
October 25, 2017
The Duffee + Eitzen family is devastated. Alex was more than our co-worker. He was our friend. His positive energy and wonderful laugh are missed. The office is not the same without him. Love to his family and especially to JR.
JaMesa Burrell-Robinson
October 25, 2017
I met Alex at ASH and there was never a dull moment. Alex was a light that shinned very bright. I can only imagine the impact that he made in the lives of so many others. Praying for peace and comfort for his friends and family.
JaMesa Robinson
ASH C/O 2002
Madelyn Edwards
October 25, 2017
Having known Alex since he was a baby, I can say that everything everyone has said about him has been true since the day he was born--happy, funny, caring, smart, everything we all want our children to be. My heart breaks for my friend, Alex's mother Carol as she learns to live without her baby boy.
October 25, 2017
My thoughts and prays rest in peace
Sharon Dosé
October 25, 2017
To Alex's family and friends, my sincerest condolences for such a tragic loss. Alex was such a bright star, and he will be sorely missed. May God bring comfort to each of you during this most sorrowful occasion. RIP Alex.
Alex Dorado
October 25, 2017
One of the nicest people I ever met. Always smiley and full of energy. Thank you for being a great friend!
Sergio Perez
October 25, 2017
Alex was always full of energy and with a huge smile on his face. He taught me what a proper Dallas ride was, that I still use today. Rest in peace Alex.
Holly Biederman
October 25, 2017
I had the pleasure of knowing Alex personally and professionally; and got to work with him for a period of time as well. He was incredibly smart and so very kind with a laugh that filled a room. It was impossible to have a bad day when he was around. An incredible loss for his loved ones and for our entire legal community. May his memory be a blessing.
Peggy Richard
October 25, 2017
Alex was my friend and co-worker. He made work fun and kept us laughing. He gave the best, most genuine hugs! I learned a lot from his constructive feedback and felt he really cared about my success. He spoke often about J.R. and bragged about his cooking. I will miss my friend and will always be grateful for the moments of laughter and teamwork that bonded us.
Fran Poole
October 25, 2017
Sending love and prayers to Carol Ann and family. So very sorry for your loss. He was blessed to have a loving family and friends. Alex will always be remembered.
Ann Fink
October 25, 2017
Alex was my always-smiling neighbor across the street, and I am going to miss his smiles and waves. I pray for comfort for you, J.R. I'm sorry I can't be with you in person on Thursday for Alex's service, but I will be with you in spirit. Peace to all Alex's family and friends.
Aisha "Lundi" Mathis
October 24, 2017
My thoughts and prayers are with the family. JR, although I have only known you and Alex for a short period of time, I can truly say that Alex was one-of-a-kind. The love you shared will continue through eternity. He will be missed.
Neda Garrett
October 24, 2017
I want Alex's family and friends to know that it didn't take long after you met Alex for you to respect him and genuinely like him as a person. Alex and I only had one case together but he was smart, kind, and genuine. I respected Alex and the Dallas family law community will miss him.
Kathy Kinser
October 24, 2017
Thoughts and prayers for JR and other family members. The family law community lost a very good guy.
Betty Lou & Lansing Kolb
October 24, 2017
Just a note to say how sad we were to learn of Alex's death. I will always remember how precious he was in my kindergarten class at ACDS and then grew to be such an outstanding adult.
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Mary and Randy Fowler
October 24, 2017
Carol, so very saddened to hear this. He truly was a bright shining star that accomplished so much in his short life.
He was kind to others and ltouched so many lives in his 32 years. He will be missed by so many. May God bless you and comfort you and all the family. My heart breaks for all of you.
Shelley and Ed Atwood
October 24, 2017
We were so sad to hear of the sad sudden passing of Alex. Although I had not seen him since he graduated high school, I remember his younger days at Alexandria Country Day when he was in classes and friend with my son, Benjamin Jenkins. My prayers are with each if you during this sad time and prayers will continue that in the coming months ur tears will turn into smiles and then laughter as you remember Alex and his always happy self. May God continue to bless each of you.
Anita White
October 24, 2017
My thoughts and prayers to JR Gower and the Bolton family during this very difficult time. I did not have the honor of meeting Alex but I know what an exceptional man he was through his partner, JR whom I have known and loved for more than 20 years. His life mattered in so many ways and i
Ryan Tew
October 24, 2017
Your light will shine on forever in our hearts, Alex! Even though I only met you a few times, I still felt the warmth and love you've shown to so many throughout your lifetime! We love you!
Cynthia Boston
October 24, 2017
My thoughts and prayers go out to Alex's family and friends, and for every person that would have experienced Alex's many gifts in the future. Alex your smile and laughter I will always remember and the happiness I experienced being in your presence. We miss you Alex!
Shannon Lynch
October 24, 2017
Oh, Alex. I am shocked and saddened. I had so enjoyed getting to know you, and loved seeing you each time you'd come in for your mediation sessions. I admired the way you handled your cases with compassion and with a soft and hard hand at the same time. There is a new bright star up there somewhere, but I am sad that it is not still burning here on earth.
Shannon Lynch
October 24, 2017
Oh, Alex. How shocked and saddened am I... You brightened up my offices each time you came in for your mediation sessions, and I loved working with you and watching you handle your cases with compassion, and with a soft and heavy hand at the same time. You will be missed, my friend, and there is a new bright star up there somewhere bearing your name.
Cindy Brumfield
October 24, 2017
Carol, all friends & family of Alex
I'm so saddened to hear about Alex. When I think of Alex, one of his many wonderful traits stands out to me. DELIGHT... Alex was pure Delight to know, to be around & share in any part of his life. He did not get that way by accident.... his mother, Carol, my good friend, gave birth to him & gave all of us a wonderful opportunity to share in his life. Alex would be the first to tell you that he was blessed by his mother's love through her dignity, encouragement, her genuine influence & support throughout his life. Alex is loved & suppoted by so many others as well.
JR, I never had the pleasure of meeting you but it's very clear you loved Alex & my heart goes out to you as well. I'm honored to be a small part of Alex life.
Love, Cindy Brumfield
Lillian Bolton
October 24, 2017
Alex was like one of mine and some of my favorite memories are with Alex. He was always so happy and the life of the party. We had so many adventures and they will be cherished forever. Heaven may have him , but we all have a great loss here without Alex and he will never be forgotten. May God bring strength, healing and comfort to JR, and Alex's family. He will forever be in my heart.
Julia Maher-Naranjo
October 24, 2017
My thoughts and prayers go out to Alex and his family during this difficult time.
Libby Peek Worsham
October 24, 2017
The first thought that comes to mind when I think of Alex is joy. I can hear his laughter and see his smile. He will be missed by many.
Susan Rankin
October 23, 2017
I am so saddened at the loss of my friend Alex. I met him while on the Bench and he always had a smile and knew his stuff. Heaven has a new angel but he will be sorely missed down here.
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