Harold Ray Bowen, 91, of Hale Center, died Tuesday, January 21, 2025, in Lubbock, Texas.  Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, January 25, 2025, at the First Baptist Church, in Hale Center, with Rev. Taylor Smith and Dr. Kris Knippa, officiating.  Interment will follow at Hale Center Cemetery under the care of Ramage Funeral Directors.  The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Friday, January 24, 2025, at Ramage Funeral Directors, in Hale Center.

Harold was born March 30, 1933, in Orangeville, Texas, to Henry and Hazel (Creecy) Bowen.  After high school, Harold served in the United States Army during the Korean War from 1953 to 1956. He was stationed in Fairbanks, Alaska and served in the Anti-Aircraft Division 502.  On November 27, 1956, Harold married Opal Cornett in Clovis, New Mexico.  She preceded him in death after over 42 years of marriage.  In 2014, Harold married Penora Compton in Clovis, New Mexico.

A lifetime Hale County resident, Harold worked as the manager of Lee's Tasty Sausage, in Abernathy, Texas, in the 1960's.  He then became manager of the 400 Gin before moving to Hale Center, in 1987, to manage the Caudle Gin.  The Caudle Gin became the Bowen Gin and he operated it until his retirement in 1998. Harold enjoyed traveling, attending family reunions, and was a lifetime member of the Texas Cotton Ginners Association. A Master Mason, Harold attended Masonic Lodge #832 in Hale Center and was a member ot the First Baptist Church. In 2015, Harold had the privilege to attend the South Plains Honor Flight with his grandson, Raygan Ellis, as his guardian.  In 2023, Harold celebrated his 90th birthday with a big party where he received over 90 cards and gifts.  A life well lived, Harold will be missed dearly by all who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Opal Bowen, a brother, James Bowen, and a son-in-law, Don Burress.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Penora Bowen of Hale Center, daughters, Pam Greenhaw and husband Jerald of Cotton Center and Lisa Ellis and husband Zane of Idalou, stepsons, Les Compton and wife Vicky of Palestine and Doug Compton of Brush, Colorado, brothers, Morris Bowen and wife Billie Ruth of Tyler and Larry Bowen and wife Suzanne of Lubbock, and a brother-in-law, Earl Steen of Plainview.  He was blessed with four grandchildren: Amy Dulin, Amber Carpio, Linsee Kitchens and husband Chance, and Raygan Ellis and fiancé Kendall Dunn and 11 great-grandchildren: Mattix, Mattison, Ayden, Ashtyn, Javyn, Alex, Khloe, Max, Holt, Raylee, and Laurel.  He was also blessed with six step-grandchildren, four step-great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family suggests memorials be made to a favorite charity.