Van Bowden

Van Antony Bowden, age 62, passed away on May 30, 2023, in his home in Midland, Texas.  Van’s graveside service will be held Monday, June 5, 2023, at 11:00 AM, at Sunset Memorial Gardens in Odessa, Texas. Jay Bowden of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints will officiate.

Van Antony Bowden was born in Odessa, Texas, October 6, 1960, to Harold Don and Celia Ann Rowell. Van’s father passed away in 1962 and after his mother remarried in 1966, Van was adopted in 1968 by Jocelyn Jean Bowden “Dad”.  Van and the family lived in a variety of places in Texas before settling down in Midland in 1975.  Van never married nor had children, but over the years he rescued and fostered many loyal dogs that he treated as if they were his own kids.  Van graduated from Lee High School in Midland, Texas and then, had a variety of odd jobs until he settled into what became his career of Building Superintendence for the next 41 years with many of those years spent at Hospice of Midland and then, the last 8 years at Midland Shared Spaces. Outside of work Van was passionate about his dogs, NASCAR and nature in general but most especially, his gardening and personal forest and the beautiful things that came with them, peacefulness, fresh vegetables, butterflies and tranquility.  He was considered by all to be a master-gardener and he was always a generous harvester, sharing his garden treats with his family and friends.

Van is preceded in death by Harold Don Rowell – father, Jocelyn Jean Bowden – “Dad”, Joe C. Zant, Sr. – grandfather, Virginia Zant – grandmother, J.K. Bowden – grandfather, and Ruth Bowden – grandmother.

Van is survived by his brothers, Jay Bowden (Peggy), Scott Bowden (Tamara) and his twin brother, Kent Bowden (Toni); his sisters Rebecca Quiocho (Jeff), Janet Gordon (Larry), LaDonna Taylor (Robert) and Cynthia Gillis; his mother Celia Bowden; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Pallbearers will be Bobby Hudnall, Gilbert Porras, Robert Taylor, Clif Zant, Kent Bowden and Scott Bowden.

Van requested, in lieu of flowers, that Memorials be given to Hospice of Midland , who provided him with comfort and exceptional care during his last days.  The family wishes to extend their sincere gratitude to all of Van’s caregivers, friends and relatives who supported him during this difficult time, with a special thanks to Hospice and his “heroic” mother who never left his side.

Arrangements are made under the direction of Sunset Memorial Gardens and Funeral Home of Odessa.  Online condolences may be made at www.sunsetodessa.com.