Ed Bowles, Sr. 1916-2010

[NickHolt]

Obituary - Ed Bowles, Sr.

 

Edgar B. Bowles, Sr. passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on Friday, September 24, 2010 in San Antonio, Texas. He was born in Austin, Texas on July 13, 1916. He moved to San Antonio at age two, where he became a lifelong resident.

 

He is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Lucille H. Bowles, children Ed Jr. and wife Tricia, Fred, and Lynette, beloved grandchildren Emily and Brian Bowles, brother Artis Bowles and wife Dottie, and numerous nieces and nephews. He graduated from Harlandale High School in 1933.

 

His first job was with Honeykist Ice Cream, where he eventually worked his way up to manager. He proudly served in the Army Air Corps during World War II. After the war, he started the San Antonio Linen Service with his friend Sidney Scott. He later owned and operated the Snow Flake Laundry and Cleaners. From 1957 to 1981, he worked in the U.S. Civil Service, first as a laundry officer (manager) at Ft. Sam Houston from 1957 to 1971, and then as a management specialist at the Troop Support Agency from 1971 until his retirement in 1981.

 

After his retirement from the Civil Service, he owned and operated Alamo Cleaners until retiring in 1993 at age 78.

 

He was a devoted fan of the San Antonio Spurs, the Dallas Cowboys, and the Houston Astros. He also took great pride in watching his grandchildren play various sports as they were growing up. He enjoyed traveling across the country on vacations with his family and had a special fondness for visits to Branson, Missouri.

 

He also had a lifelong passion for auto racing. He promoted races at the Pan American Speedway located near the intersection of Harry Wurzbach Road and Austin Highway from the mid-1950s to 1964. In 1964, he built a new Pan American Speedway on Toepperwein Road in northeast Bexar County. He owned and operated that track from 1964 to 1968, at which time he retired to devote more time to his family.

Many thanks to the kindness of the staff at Emeritus at Oakwell Farms, Alamo Hospice, the Forum at Lincoln Heights, and VITAS hospice for their loving care during his illness.

 

Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. on Monday, September 27, 2010 at Sunset Memorial Park and Funeral Home, 1701 Austin Highway. A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, September 28, also at Sunset Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Shriners Children Hospitals or a charity of your choice. For personal acknowledgement, you may sign the guestbook at www.sunsetfuneralhomesa.com.