William Kenneth "Bill" Bowen

On Thursday, May 28, 2026, William Kenneth “Bill” Bowen passed away in Flint. He was born May 5, 1951, in McAlester, Oklahoma, to William Howard Bowen and Iona Mae Raiburn Bowen. The family moved to Lewisville, Texas, where Bill graduated from Lewisville High School in 1969. Majoring in history and government, Bill earned his Bachelor of Science degree from North Texas State University in 1974 and began his teaching career at Kaufman H.S. After two years in education, Bill owned and operated Polar Bear Ashburn’s Ice Cream in Plano, while playing bass guitar in the country rock band, Southfork. In 1987, Bill moved to Tyler and started Bowen Lawn Service while driving a bus for Tyler ISD and substitute teaching. Bill met and married Terri Procell in 1990, the woman who would be his lifelong partner and teammate. Being passionate about teaching and politics, Bill returned to the classroom in 2000 at Jacksonville High School, while running for Texas State Representative and remained a staunch supporter of Democratic causes throughout his life. Fulfilling a lifelong dream, Bill was elected as a national delegate for John Kerry in 2004. Bill retired from full-time teaching in 2013 but continued to substitute teach in Tyler ISD until his death. Bill loved exchanging ideas and challenging the students to be their best. Bill will be remembered for his love of creatures, wild and domestic. He was well-known for his enthusiasm for sports (basically anything with a ball.) Bill was always up for an adventure to Las Vegas for football games and gambling. His enduring love of music, from the Beatles to Outlaw Country touched every aspect of his life. Bill was a true and gentle soul. To know Bill was to know his heart and character. Bill is survived by his loving wife, Terri Procell Bowen; son, Wendel Bowen and wife, Meredith Bowen; granddaughters, Cheyenne and Gracie Bowen. Bill was a strong supporter of the American Civil Liberties Union, The Southern Poverty Law Center, and the American Heart Association. In lieu of flowers, donations would be appreciated to these organizations or a charity dear to your heart. A private “Celebration of Life” will be held for Bill Bowen, 75, of Flint.

William Kenneth "Bill" Bowen

May 5, 1951 - May 28, 2026