Virgil Bowden

Virgil “Bud” Bowden, age 91, entered into eternal embrace of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Sunday, August 17, 2025, in El Paso, Texas.

Those who have gone before him include his parents, Jack and Clo Bowden; his siblings, T.L. Bowden Jr., Margie Washburn, Sam Bowden, Lou Washburn, Bill Bowden, Chuckie Bowden, Jack Bowden, Poochie Bowden, Tommy Bowden, Deanie Bowden, Jerry Bowden, Teddy Bowden, Larry Bowden, and David Bowden; his daughter: Cynthia Kay Bowden; his grandson: Shawn Wesley Bowden.

Bud was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, son, friend, and colleague. He will be remembered for his love of family and lively conversations.

He began his aeronautical career with McDonnell Douglas in Tulsa, Oklahoma, as a Product Assurance Representative. Early on in his career, his energetic and efficient handling of his responsibilities between Tulsa and Long Beach, California qualified him for VIP honors. Bud decided it was in his family’s best interest to move to Southern California permanently. There he took classes in Aeronautical Engineering and was selected to travel internationally for business. While Bud was on a 3-year assignment in Spain he met the love of his life, Alicia. After Alicia returned home to Argentina, he kept in contact with her through letters and phone calls which led to his proposal over the phone to begin their life together back in the USA. After retiring from now Boeing, Bud continued his career as a consultant for various aeronautical manufacturers such as Ford Aerospace and Parker Hannifin.

As a family man, his strong qualities were providing for his family, moving them to Laguna Beach, and fulfilled his dream of building a custom home overlooking the ocean. He will also be remembered enjoying what he loved, spending time with friends and family at the beach, the Colorado River, the golf course, and traveling internationally on vacations.

He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Alicia Natalia Bowden; his children: Ron Bowden, Sherry Templeton, Nicholas Virgil Bowden, and Jeremy Paul Bowden; 7 grandchildren; and 7 great-grandchildren. We rejoice in knowing he is at peace in Heaven, reunited with loved ones, and in the presence of his Savior. This Bible verse reflects what Bud stood for, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” – 2 Timothy 4:7

Cremation services are entrusted to Sunset Funeral Homes-West, 480 N. Resler Dr., El Paso, Texas.