Mr. Richard Scott Bowles, Jr., age 66 of Taos, Missouri passed away at his personal residence on Friday, October 8, 2021.

He was born on December 24, 1954 in Amarillo, Texas, the son of Richard Scott Bowles and Jane (Bird) Schacklett Bowles. He married Linda Bowles in Wyoming, Ohio, she preceded him in death.

Richard was a graduate of Wyoming High School, Wyoming, Ohio, 1974. Following his education, he studied at Northern Kentucky State Vocational School in Covington, Kentucky where he completed courses in shop management, auto-body and refinishing. In addition, he was a licensed S.P.I.B. Lumber Grader, received a Vocational Teaching Certificate and completed the “First Response” training program via The Red Cross. As a professional tradesman, he was an expert lumber planer; as well as skilled as a Window and Door Technician at Builders First Company, Cincinnati, Ohio, where he repaired windows and doors in new construction homes. At Pella Windows, he was responsible for door manufacturing, inventory control, and overseeing the Door Department. These opportunities landed him promotions as: Mill Superintendent, Moulder Operator, Team Coordinator and Lumber Grader at companies in Cincinnati, Ohio, Paris, Kentucky and Barnsville, Georgia. Richard ended his professional career when he retired as an Installer and Window Maker for Anderson Windows.

He was a proud member of the American Legion Roscoe Enloe Post 5 and the Fraternal Order of the Eagles and in past years he was a member of a business social club for 15 years during which time he served as both chairman and treasurer.

Richard enjoyed spending time in nature, especially on the Osage River, spending time with family and friends or sitting with a fishing pole in hand. He loved the soulful sound of Jeff Beck on record or in concert and was a dedicated sci-fi and astrology fan. Other interests included: volunteering as a pit crew member at Formula One Racing events where he met former race car driver, Paul Newman. He was a devoted fan and follower of the Xavier College (Cincinnati, Ohio) basketball team. As an antique shopper, his collection of salt and pepper shakers is very impressive as well as his knowledge of military mementos, especially those that belonged to his father and uncle, Tom Bowles. He was described as an “excellent golfer”. In addition, he enjoyed swimming, cliff diving and playing the jazz guitar. He liked traveling to see family in Florida where his parents had a winter home and was a loving and devoted companion to his Doberman, Thunder, who preceded him in death. Richard was an intelligent man with a great sense of humor who always called it like he saw it. His straight forward and honest approach to life will be missed by his family and friends, including those made at the Lodge, American Legion, his neighbors at his apartment complex, and Pat, Tommy, and Charlie Stewart and Dick Douglass.

Survivors include: his sisters, Margaret Elaine Bowles, of Jefferson City, Missouri and Lynn Peters of Jefferson City, Missouri; his brother, David S. Bowles (Constance) of Colorado Springs, Colorado; his niece and nephews, Elizabeth Peters, Ryan Bowles, and Chris Bowles and their children, Grace, Gabriel, Nathan and Madison; and many cousins and other extended family members.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; his grandparents, Dr. Herman Bowles and Margaret Ann (Scott) Bowles; his uncle, Tom Bowles (Lou); and his brother-in-law, Grayson Peters.

A private celebration of Richard’s life will be held by his family at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the American Legion Roscoe Enloe Post 5, 1423 Tanner Bridge Rd, Jefferson City, Missouri 65101 or the Fraternal Order of the Eagles, 1411 Missouri Blvd, Jefferson City, Missouri 65109.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Freeman Mortuary.