Frank Lee Bowman went to God on November 1, 2022 at the age of 76, after bravely battling cancer for the third time in his life. Frank died peacefully with his family and children by his side.
Frank was born in Oakland, California in 1946, a descendant to one of the oldest settling families in Arizona. His father’s Naval career took them to many interesting places across the globe and country, finally settling in Phoenix in 1959. A star athlete from childhood, Frank played a multitude of sports throughout his life including basketball, wrestling, track and field, baseball and football. His athletic achievements while attending West High School in Phoenix, Arizona, awarded him multiple scholarship offers, which ultimately led to his college football career at the University of Arizona in 1964. Frank remained a proud member of the Wildcat Alumni Club until his death.
In 1966, Frank heard the calling to serve his country and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He was stationed at Camp Pendleton, in San Diego, CA, until his honorable discharge in 1968. Frank served in the 2nd Battalion of the 27th Marines, earning the rank of Sergeant, specializing in intelligence. After returning from his military service, Frank, one never to stop, guided his professional life into the construction industry. In 1991 Frank and business partner, Karl Albrecht, established one of the most successful commercial concrete companies in Arizona. His unwavering work ethic and commitment are a testament to his success in business and life.
Frank’s love of family, friends, and fun included surfing the Southern California coast, motorcycle rides with his sons, and golfing with his weekly Wednesday Whackers golf group. Frank loved to travel the country and world, with his beloved partner Barbara, laughing, dancing, and enjoying adventures together. Frank enjoyed a good fish taco at Wahoos, a cold dark and stormy, and a cool salty breeze in his hair.
A devoted father and grandfather, Frank is preceded in death by his parents, Edgar Lee Bowman and Evalene (Roberts) Bowman. He is survived by his partner Barbara O’Brien; sister Pat Cleveland; children Cray Flynn, Michael Bowman and Sean Bowman; grandchildren Ashley Daggett, Michael Bowman Jr, and Maxx Bowman; and great-granddaughters Adeline, Harper and Emma Daggett; as well other family members and many friends of 60+ years. No matter where you went, someone knew Frank Bowman, and he leaves a lasting impression to all that knew him.
A private family service will be held in January, followed by a celebration of life. People wishing to honor Frank’s lifelong commitment to family and community can be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675 or Hospice of the Valley, 1510 E. Flower St., Phoenix, AZ 85014. Condolences may be expressed at www.whitneymurphyfuneralhome.com.
John Shultz
I met Frank in 1960, My Brother Ronnie and Frank were good friends. I was only in 7TH grade when I met Frank. He would come and watch me play football, while I was still in grade school. I went to West and got to know Frank through sports my brother and The rest of The West High group.
Franks was not just a great Athlete he was just an All-Around Good Man.
He was so much fun to be around and had a Million Dollar Smile.
Frank loved his country and Loved Life to The Fullest.
He was a real man’s man. and all I’ve got to say is he sure made this a better place.
Frank you will surely be missed and, know that you will never ever be forgotten.
You will always be my Brother For Life.
“Semper-Fi ” Brother
Love and Respect
Johnny
Jon Jon Florez-gonzales
Sad to hear about franks. I worked for Frank bowman and Karl albrecht at southwest precision for. 1 of the best companies to work for. Frank took me under is wing . Always making someone feel worthy. I looked up to Frank a lot. Loved hearing about his football stories from college. My condolences to all the bowman family. The world lost a good man, Heaven gained another angel. My sincere regards , Jon Jon Gonzales
John Ellis
You know Frank, being men, we don’t often get audacious enough to tell someone what it has meant to have them in our lives. Maybe we were destined to be teammates and longtime friends, Barbara jokingly called it a “bromance” and maybe it truly has been. Over the years, when we have written to each other about our family histories, it has been incredible how many times our life paths crossed before we actually met in 1960, as scrawny freshmen at West High School. I like to think that it was meant to be.
I first heard about you from your cousin Chuck, while Chuck and I were in 5th grade at Franklin School, right after my family moved to Phoenix. Chuck was so proud of your athletic prowess, and I was overjoyed when I arrived at West High to discover that you would be a teammate. What a great four years we had! We were built so similarly that a lot of people thought we really were brothers, except that you had muscles! When you would punish someone on the court or field, they would retaliate against your brother, John! I was the one that threw the errant passes, and you were the one to make the acrobatic catches to make me look good. On the court, I shot from the cheap seats, and you soared to grab my misses to help us win. You were strong and fast while I was cute and adorable. You were shy, quiet and never bragged while I was noisy and in constant need of a pat on the back. We enjoyed wins and suffered defeats together but, most of all, we learned to rely on each other. My family loved you as much as I did, always endearingly calling you “Frankie.”
In our winter years, we’ve been golfing buddies, teasing and laughing just like we did when we were teenagers. Almost 60 years later, we still enjoyed reliving the highlights of what we accomplished together. I can’t imagine what it would have been like if our paths had never crossed but I am so glad that they did. For the past 18 years you have fought a courageous battle against a formidable foe but, as always, you did it quietly, bravely, without ever losing your powerful sense of humor. We laughed right up to the last moments. I’m so glad that I got to tell you how much I loved you and I will always cherish hearing you return the love. I have lost you in body, but you will remain forever in my heart and thoughts. May you rest in peace and feel no more pain. Love to you always.