Clifton Morris Bowden, Jr.

Clifton Morris Bowden, Jr. Aug. 6, 1946 – Dec. 19, 2005 Clifton Morris Bowden, Jr. of Hewitt passed away Monday, December 19, 2005. Services will be held at 1:30 pm Friday, December 23 at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Bosque Chapel with Rev. Randy Hughes and Mr. Tony Dudik officiating. Burial will follow at Waco Memorial North Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6-8 pm Thursday, December 22 at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Garden Room. Cliff was born August 6, 1946 in Hillsboro, TX to Clifton Morris Bowden, Sr. and Mary Chase Bowden. He received his Music Education Degree from Stephen F. Austin State College, Masters Degree from East Texas State College, and Administrator's Certification from Tarleton State University. Upon graduation from S.F.A. he enlisted in the United States Navy, earning the rank of Lieutenant. He proudly served during Vietnam as a Naval Flight Officer from 1968-1975 and was stationed on the USS Shangri La from 1970-1971. In addition, he worked as District Executive for Boy Scouts of America from 1976-1978, as former band director at Bryan ISD and Connally ISD from 1978-1991, and as a principal at Connally from 1991-2000. After his retirement he worked from 2000-2003 at Lorena ISD as a substitute teacher. Mr. Bowden developed many caring relationships and lasting friendships with his students that continued throughout his life. He was an active volunteer for the BSA, having earned the rank of Eagle Scout as a young man. He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed camping and fishing and served on the staff at Camp Tahuaya. He is survived by daughters: Catherine Lorraine Bowden of Bryan; Meredith Ashley Bowden of Lorena; sons: Christopher Allen Bowden of Arlington; Samuel Douglass Bowden of Lorena; and sister: Marilyn Bowden Gardner and her husband, Kendall of Wasilla, AK. He was preceded in death by father, Clifton Morris Bowden, Sr. and mother, Mary Chase Bowden. Memorial donations may be made to the Boy Scouts of America Troop 462 of Lorena United Methodist Church. The family invites you to leave a message or memory at our “Memorial Guestbook” at www.wilkirsonhatchbailey.com. Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey