In loving memory of

Howard Van Bowser Sr.
March 16, 1933 - June 20, 2019

HOWARD VAN BOWSER SR.

Our precious Dad Howard Van passed away in the early morning hours of June 20, 2019 with us all around him. He was a bright light in our world and our hearts are forever changed.

Dad was endearingly called 'The Mayor of Harris Branch' by many, he had a special bond with his neighbors, they relied on him for his expertise in the areas of landscaping, home repairs and anything Longhorn Nation.

Dad was born to George Collin Bowser and Elizabeth McCaslin March 16,1933 in Burnet Texas. He attended Austin public schools in his young life and graduated high school in Houston in 1951 from Stephan F. Austin and soon enlisted into the US Navy where he was assigned to the USS Capricornus in Great Lakes Illinois where he received a National Defense Service Medal.

HVB was a proud and respected Longshoreman at the Port of Houston by locals 872 and 1273 now local 24, for 40 years. In his sixties Dad retired to Austin,Texas with his wife of over 50 years Barbara Allen.

Dad was a devoted Longhorn fan, we will all cherish the days of watching Longhorn football with him in his living room.

In his own words Dad said he wanted to be remembered as an Honest, Hardworking and Loving man...there is not one person reading this that wouldn't agree to all of these sentiments about our dad.

Howard Van is preceded in death by his father George Collin Bowser (1895-1980) mother Elizabeth McCaslin Bowser (1906-2003) brother George Junior (1928-1940) sister Lena Mable Bowser Jones of Belton,Texas (1924-2015) and beloved wife Barbara Allen (1934-2007)

Dad is adored by his children Deborah Pearson of Minneapolis (David) Brooks Allen Bowser of Deer Park Diana Bowser Caudill of Kirkland Washington (Bill) and Howard Van Bowser Jr. of Austin (Janet) his grandchildren happen to think he's 'Superman' and he would often say to them 'make Papaw proud' they are Surry Flores of Bryan Texas (Ross) Andy Guerra of Arvada Colorado (Sandra) Brooks Allen Bowser of Spring Texas (Angel) Brandon Bowser of Deer Park Texas (Lacey) Cory Caudill of Kirkland Washington (Adrienne) Collin Caudill of Mercer Island Washington (Katie) Chelsea Bowser of Houston Texas (Steve) and Caroline Bowser of Austin Texas (Julian) we are excited to share Papaw stories and family traditions with his great grandchildren Jonathan Zoee Guyer Emma Bridget Kristopher Montgomery and Sadie and the one and only great great Noah.


Celebration of Life
Driskill Hotel
604 Brazos Street
Austin,Texas 78701
Saturday June 29, 2019 1-3 pm

Graveside Service
Bryan Cemetery
1111 North Texas Avenue
Bryan,Texas Sunday June 30th 2:30 pm

Tributes

Diana Caudill wrote on Jul 19, 2021:

"l miss you so much."

Diana wrote on Jun 20, 2020:

"Daddy it?s been a year and my heart is hurting l miss you so much???"

Diana wrote on Jun 9, 2020:

"here in Bryan sitting at your gravesite what a beautiful resting place you provided for you and mom I?ll never forget how you called me sister and your strong hands Daddy..:well done HVB??????????"

Diana wrote on Aug 2, 2019:

"l miss you so much Daddy."

bill caudill wrote on Jul 9, 2019:

"I had the privilege of having HVB in my life for 39 years, on paper he is my father- in law, but in life he is and was SO MUCH MORE,He was my ROCK, ,my North Star, my compass for LIFE!,Over the years we shared so many stories, tears and life experiences, he taught and guided me to become the best Husband,Father,Family member,Friend I could be! I can?t find the words to adequately describe how special of a man he is and was,, only thing that comes to mind is there?s been NO earthquake that has shaken this planet as much as he?s loss has shaken his family ! Love you HVB,I will miss our drive?s to Gause! MAKE PAPAW PROUD!!!! "

Thu-Yen Dang wrote on Jul 5, 2019:

"Summer of 1999 to Summer of 2019, for 20 years I was blessed to have Mr. &Mrs. Bowser in my life. It didn't take long for my children to fall in love with them. They both were so kind. I have never seen anyone who could take care of his wife so well like the way he did with her. i admired him for that. He had such a big heart and he shared it with everyone he meet. What I missed the most about him is that I don't have him to talk to every morning anymore (over coffee). That was how I started my day. Now, just me and a boring cup of coffee. Mr. &Mrs. Bowser, I will always remember you and Barbara every day for the rest of my life. RIP Thu-Yen Dang"

Diana wrote on Jul 5, 2019:

"thank you all for the condolences for our sweet Dad *Papaw *Howard Van he lives through us all now....?go make Papaw proud? as he would say we found the best song to help us through this week it?s called Well Done by the Anthems it reminded us of Dad he did things well in this life I?m so thankful We spent the last year in his home with him we laughed cried and celebrated his Well Done life??"

christine Nathern wrote on Jul 4, 2019:

"On this 4th of July I am thinking of a wonderful man that is Howard Bowser. A true American that served his country, loved and took care of his family and then went on and took care of "a whole bunch of friends and neighbors". He made me feel like I was one of the family the first time I met him over 35 years ago. He and Mrs. Bowser included me in Christmas at their home and other family functions over the years. I loved hearing his stories over the phone while Diana and I would drive around in town over Spring training. He made you laugh just in the way he told a story. I loved his voice and will embrace all my memories of him and Mrs. Bowser in my heart. My deepest sympathies to all of Papaw's family...he is with his Barbara now and free of illness...Godspeed Papaw. You were loved by so many."

Larry Brune wrote on Jul 1, 2019:

"Our deepest condolences, for the loss of your dad, Papaw, and friend. Howard and Ed's friendship is continuing in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ. What an example for all of us for generations to come. Love Larry Brune"

Bill Bohne wrote on Jun 27, 2019:

"I wanted to extend my sympathies to the entire family on yall?s loss....he was a very good man. Bill Bohne"

Debbie Sallas wrote on Jun 26, 2019:

"To Mr. Bowser's family... my thoughts and prayers are with you. Mr. Bowser was indeed "The Mayor of Harris Branch". I lived there for 16 years and knew Mr. Bowser and Barbara well... Garry Parker was my brother-n-law back then. Mr. Bowser was one-of-a-kind... I was blessed to know him. Hook'em! Debbie Sallas"

Stephanie L. Peoples wrote on Jun 26, 2019:

"I do not have the words to say you how sorry I am for your loss. Papaw-Bowser's love for his family and presence in this world is a light that is seen within in each of you. Big-Brooks, Brooks-Allen and Brandon you are in my heart and will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers."

Bill Hausinger wrote on Jun 25, 2019:

" They do not make them any better than Howard Bowser. We worked many ships together in the port of Houston Texas. Bill Hausinger, I. L. A. "

Wayne Allen wrote on Jun 24, 2019:

"Diana an I are so sorry for your loss. I do know the pain of losing a father, they say time heals all wounds, not sure I totally agree with that. My prayers are with all of the Bowsers ?"