Rodney "Rod" Wayne Bowman, 82, passed away December 31, 2020 at Great Plains Hospital in North Platte with his daughter Nancy Nichols and his granddaughter, Nicole Vioxx at his side.
Rod, son of Archie Leroy and Jean Mardelle (Barker) Bowman was born September 13, 1938 at Saint Luke's Hospital in Pasadena, California. He lived in Pasadena and attended Longfellow Elementary, Elliot Junior High and John Muir High School. As a young boy, Rod spent many summers with his grandparents, Harry Wayne and Mertie (Baker) Bowman in Trenton, Nebraska. He had many fond memories of helping his grandpa deliver sand by wagon with his team Prince and Pearl. After graduation he entered the Army in July 1957. He was stationed at Fort Ord in California.
Rod married Victoria "Angie" Angeline Belle on May 11, 1968 at the Chapel of Roses in Pasadena, California. Their first home was in San Gabriel, California. He had several occupations, he worked as an industrial engineer, the Southern Pacific Railroad in Colton, California, and Farmers Coop in Trenton, Nebraska.
Rod had several interests and hobbies. He started in Boy Scouts in 1968 and held several positions in Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Woodbadge and Order of the Arrow. In 1978, he received the Silver Beaver award, the highest award given locally. Rod was also involved at the Trenton Church of God as an AWANA leader and board member, he was a charter member of the Hitchcock County Lions Club and held a life membership at the museum in Trenton. He also loved restoring his '57 Chevy. He loved farm life and for a time he raised sheep, chickens, hogs and bottle calves.
Rod was preceded in death by his parents, stepfather, Art McNeal and a daughter, Bonnie Jean St. Rock.
Rod is survived by Victoria Bowman, Trenton, Nebraska; son, Robert of California; daughters, Pamela Magley, Tigard, Oregon and Nancy (Kyle) Nichols, Culbertson, Nebraska; uncle, Gary (Rose) Barker, North Platter, Nebraska; and sister-in-law, Donna Asher, Ohio; grandchildren: Jacqueline (David) O'Neill, North Dakota, Brandon (Caitie) Salmeri, Washington, Nicole (Jacke) Vioxx, Culbertson, Nebraska, Amanda (Austin) Cochell, Oregon and Christopher Nichols, Culbertson, Nebraska; great-grandchildren: Sophia Salmeri, Talon and Colette O'Neill, and Jameson Cochell ; numerous cousins, nieces and nephews and lifelong friends, Douglas A Cox and Gordon Whithall.
Graveside services will be held at 1:00 PM, Saturday, September 11, 2021 at the Trenton Cemetery with Kyle Nichols officiating. A celebration of Rod's life will follow services at the Family Life Center in Trenton. Memorials are suggested to the Trenton Church of God. Online condolences may be left at herrmannfh.com. Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel is entrusted with arrangements.