Ralph Thomas Bowman

Ralph T Bowman

1925 - 2025

Ralph Bowman, 99, of Billings, passed away Wednesday, April 16, 2025. Ralph was born July 6, 1925, in Lawrenceville, Illinois, the son of Luther C. Bowman and Hattie (Finley) Bowman. He spent his early years in Illinois. Upon graduating from Lawrenceville Township High School, he attended Indiana State University on a basketball scholarship and became a lifelong Sycamore.

Ralph married Shirley B. Lewis in Denver, Colorado, on November 25, 1947 and they spent 62 wonderful years together. Their first two children, Melanie and Mark, were born in Denver. In 1955 they moved to Vernal, Utah, where their third child, Jan, was born. The family made their final move to Billings, Montana, in 1964 where Ralph resided his final 61 years.

In 1947, after hitchhiking across Illinois and Kansas, he arrived in Denver, Colorado, and found work at the Carlson-Frank Dairy as a morning milk delivery man. He always spoke with great enthusiasm about his many experiences during his eight years navigating the East Side of Denver. In 1955 he was hired by Hughes Tool Company and relocated to Vernal, Utah, to begin his career selling drilling bits and supplies to drilling rig companies. Ralph was transferred to Billings, Montana, in 1964 and continued his career with Hughes Tool Company until 1982. His territory took him to all corners of Montana and a big part of Wyoming, North Dakota, and Idaho.

During his career he logged over "1 million safe miles". The final chapter in his working career was as a partner in RTD Trucking (Ralph, Tom, and Dennis). The partnership was created to transport US mail to and from the main post office in Billings to Billings Logan International Airport. He drove trucks for RTD Trucking for almost ten years, retiring for the final time in 1994 at the age of 69.

He was a 61 year member of First Congregational UCC Church and dearly loved his fellowship there.

Ralph was an active member of the Billings Tennis community. He kept a folder three pages long with names and phone numbers of tennis buddies he could contact to set up a game! He belonged to the Billings Racquet Club, an indoor facility that allowed him to play tennis the year round. He continued to play tennis until the age of 88 when glaucoma began robbing him of his sight. It was very important to Ralph that his children and grandchildren experienced the joys of the game he loved so much.

He took great enjoyment and pride in caring for his yard, planting flowers in the spring and nurturing them well into the fall. He took pleasure in mowing his lawn and making sure it was trimmed and groomed at all times. It was not uncommon for him to mow the lawn 2-3 times a week!!

Ralph's swimming pool was another great source of pride and enjoyment; It was the gathering spot of many friends and family to enjoy. Most days in the summer you could find Ralph sitting on the patio, listening to 40's music, drinking a cold beer from his keg, soaking up the sun and taking several dips into the pool.

Shirley and Ralph spent several winters in Phoenix, Arizona, with their daughter, Melanie, and her family. They enjoyed traveling to visit family, playing cards, attending grandchildren's activities, and the company of each other.

In nearly 100 years of life, Ralph was considered by most to be a "Gracious Gentleman".

He had a unique sense of humor that exemplified his southern Illinois upbringing. It was dry with a quick wit. Ralph will be missed by all the people that knew him. So for now dear friend, farewell.

Ralph was preceded in death by his loving wife Shirley, his parents, brother Morris, sister Marge Boles, daughter Melanie Eldridge, niece Sherry Baldwin, and nephew Mike Bowman.

Ralph is survived by his son Mark (Robin) of Ridgefield, Washington, daughter Jan Duffy (Dennis) of Billings, four grandchildren, and four great grandchildren.

The family is grateful to the staff of Butterfly Homes assisted living facility for the excellent care and love that was shown to Ralph the last two years, as well as the hospice services of Compassus.

A memorial service for Ralph will be held on Thursday, May 1st at 2:00 PM at Mayflower Church, located at 2940 Poly Drive, Billings, MT 59102.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Cystic Fibrosis Foundation; 4550 Montgomery Ave Suite 1100 N, Bethesda, MD 20814 or the charity of your choice.