Donald Ray Bowerman (10/9/1934 – 07/30/2024)

Born in Texarkana, Arkansas in 1934, Don attended Liberty Eylau Elementary, and Texas High School in Texarkana, TX. His father Frank "Bud" built railroad ties and telephone poles in the creosote factory and drove the school bus. His mother Letitia "Tish" (nee Burcham) worked in his elementary school cafeteria and raised Don on homegrown greens, blackeyed peas, okra, pecans, blackberries and whatever was in season.

In 1953 Don received a letter from University of Arizona football Coach Warren Woodson offering a full scholarship if he came to Tucson to play football for the Wildcats. Arriving at the U of A with a strong southern drawl, teammates quickly gave him the moniker "Tex" which endured through over 65 years of alumni events. He played wingback and if you asked him about blocking for the infamous "Cactus Comet" he would jokingly quip – "Who do you think opened the holes for him to gain all those yards?"

At the U of A student union, he met a local girl, Bella Jacobs, of Tucson's pioneering Carrillo-Jacobs family. Bella thought his boisterous laugh bordered on obnoxious, but his big smile and blue eyes captured her heart. They married soon after graduation in 1957; his humble Texarkana family came to the celebration at Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church (he converted to Catholicism for Bella) and the grand reception downtown at the Santa Rita Hotel.

At the U of A he joined the ROTC program to earn $25/month to cover his $24.60 car payment and a commitment to the United States Army. He didn't last long in artillery, before the Army decided Don should use his degree in physical education to run the recreational program for the 3 rd Infantry Division Troops, in Kitzingen, Germany (1957-59)- eventually rising to 1 st Lieutenant in the Army National Guard. Don and Bella cherished their time in Germany, traveling to Rome, Pompeii, Venice, Paris, and Brussels for the 1958 World's Fair.

In 1960 he returned to Tucson and joined Bella's family working downtown at Jake's Quick Lunch "slinging chili dogs" while he worked on his master's degree in education.

When Don started teaching high school students in 1964, he became known to the Pima County sports community as "Coach Bowerman." He was named Athletic Director of the Ajo Red Raiders where he coached football, baseball, and basketball (1964-69), he then coached football for the Pueblo High School Warriors (1969-76) where he was named All City Football Coach of the Year in1972.

Don finished his career teaching science and health at Magee Jr. High from 1977 to 1991, carpooling daily with his dear friend Bernice Lenz. He was coaching the Magee Jr High golf team when he made his first and only coveted "hole-in-one." During this time, he also volunteered for El Rio Bobby Sox as a member of their board and umpiring girls' softball, as well as volunteering for Southern Arizona Senior Olympics and Pima County Special Olympics.

In retirement Don initiated the DIVOTS program for Tucson City Golf, was a board member of the Greens Committee for Tucson Golf, the University of Arizona Alumni Association, the Southern Arizona Retired Coaches & Officials Association, and the University of Arizona Alumni Letterman's Club. He also volunteered as a tour guide at Saguaro National Monument West, a highlight of which was giving a tour to Jane Goodall.

Don was a dedicated fan of Arizona Wildcats athletics, and as a 3-year Letterman (1954,55,56), he earned a lifetime pass to all University of Arizona sporting events. He especially enjoyed attending Arizona softball, basketball, and football games. He treasured being able to travel to watch the Cats, as well as playing golf and poker into his 80's.

To his children, he was "Daddy," strict father and coach, who became "Dad" – our respected mentor and reliable friend.

He was "Grandpa" to Antonio Carranza, Marco Carranza, Daniel (Brittney)Bowerman, Jr., Michael Carranza (Angel), Layne Bowerman, Hollye Bowerman Cañez, Kyle Bowerman, Renae (McKenzie) Durham, Derek Bowerman (Dan), Maricela Ramirez, Kian Solis, and Karina Solis

He was "Great-grandpa" to: Lucius Cañez, Anna Cañez, Adrian Cañez, Michael Carranza, Jr, Vincent Carranza, Dylan Bowerman, Zayden Ramirez-Hoag, and Mallory Durham.

And to nieces and nephews he was affectionately known as "Uncle Bumble," the other half of "Aunt Bee."

He is survived by brother James (Melba) Bowerman of Nash, TX; sister-in-law Gloria (Pete) Samorano; children: David (Anna) Bowerman, Danny Bowerman, Brenda Bowerman, Glenda Carranza and Ann Bowerman.

Preceded in death by his wife Bella J. Bowerman (1932-2014); parents Millard Frank and Orpha Letitia Bowerman of Texarkana, TX; sister Pat Crittenden; sister Betty (Andy) LeGrand of Texarkana, Arkansas.

The family gives special thanks to all the caregivers, nurses and staff at the Inn at the Fountains who kept him joking through the hardest times. And a special appreciation shout-out to his very dear companion Darlene Gregg who brightened his days and kept him apprised of all things sports when he needed it most.

Donations in Don's honor can be made to:

Juvenile Diabetes Research Fund - https://jdrf.org.uk/how-to-help/give/donate/

Alzheimer's Association – https://act.alz.org/site/donation

American Cancer Society – https://www.cancer.org/donate