Robert Bowker

R obert 'Bob' Bowker, 80, of North Platte, NE, passed away Sunday, April 17, 2022.

Bob was born April 3, 1942, in Wray, CO, to Lloyd and Rosetta Bowker. He grew up and attended school in Woodland, CA.

In 1959, Bob enlisted in the United States Navy and served as a Seamans's Apprentice. After receiving an honorable discharge, Bob decided to join his father and learn the trucking trade. Together, he and his Dad drove an 18 wheeler across the U.S. After a few years of driving and being away from family, Bob decided to find means of employment that would allow him to be home. He pursued and received his General Education Diploma in North Platte then went on to receive a diploma in Machine Shop Technology in 1976.

While working at a dog food factory, Bob was involved in a work place accident that took the 2 middle fingers on his left hand. Throughout the years, he very much enjoyed fabricating stories of exactly how he lost these fingers; one such story was that he was at war and got so hungry he had no choice, but to eat them. That orneriness and sense of humor is what everyone who's ever encountered Bob will forever remember about him.

At some point, while at the dog food factory (possibly after losing his fingers), Bob decided it was time again for a career change. On May 2, 1980, Bob successfully graduated from the Colorado Law Enforcement Training Academy. After achieving this feat, he went to work for the Julesburg Police Department as a Patrol Officer and later as Chief of Police.

Bob married Wanda McCord, throughout the 1960's and 1970's, to these unions the couple welcomed 5 children, Corinna, Bryan, James, Michelle and Stacy.

In 1985, Bob married the love of his life, Verlien Reutzel-Reel, and added Verliens two children, Melissa and Gus, to his family. The couple resided in Julesburg, CO, where they raised their combined family. During Bob's off hours from the police force they enjoyed playing country music at the VFW on the weekends. Bob sang, played the guitar, and dabbled in song writing, while Verlien played the keyboard and accompanied him on duets.

After leaving the police force, Bob and Verlien decided to relocate to the Tacoma, WA, area where he began working in construction, remodeling mobile homes. It was during this time that he had a work accident that damaged his back, resulting in numerous back surgeries and forcing him into an early retirement.

After retiring, while remaining in the Washington area, Bob enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren, fishing and camping at Lake Chehalis where he landed a 5' 8" Sturgeon.

At some point, Bob and Verlien decided to relocate once again, this time moving to North Platte. Bob enjoyed retirement in Nebraska. He continued to spend time with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, fishing, remodeling the family home, working on computers, playing in poker tournaments, riding his Harley, and going to morning coffee.

After Bob lost his beloved wife, Verlien, in 2009, he remained in North Platte to be close to family and friends.

Along with his wife, Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Lloyd and Rosetta Bowker; sisters, Darlene Bowker and Karen Fisher; brother, Lloyd Bowker; brother-in-law, James Smotherman; and grandchildren, Les Reel and Mason Sullivan.

Robert is survived by children, Bryan (Ron) McCarthy of Oklahoma City, OK, Corinna McGregor (David Butler) of North Platte, James Bowker of Sidney, Michelle Sullivan of Ovid, CO, Stacy (Anna) Bowker of Sidney, and Gus Reel and Melissa Ross of North Platte; grandchildren, Amber and Aaron Fisher of North Platte, Megan and McCoy Sullivan of Ovid, CO, MacKenzie Bowker (Alex) of Scottsbluff, Jeff Florom of Paxton, Nita Ross of North Platte, Leanna Reel and Rick (Taylor) Reel of Washington, and Pyper Reel of North Platte; and 12 great-grandchildren.

He is also survived by his siblings, Shirley Smotherman of Federal Way, WA, Richard (Mary) Bowker of North Platte and Marge (Louis) Freeman of Chappell; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and many friends throughout the North Platte area.

Services will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, April 22, 2022, at Odean Colonial Chapel in North Platte. Burial with military honors will follow at Fort McPherson National Cemetery, south of Maxwell. Visitation is prior to the service at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore, which is in charge of arrangements.

The family asks that you join them following the graveside service for a light dinner and to share memories of Bob. Family and friends will gather in North Platte at Cody Park on the east side by the train display/playground.

Online condolences may be shared at odeanchapel.com. Memorials may be made to the family to cover medical and funeral expenses.