Stephen (Steve) K. Bowman

Stephen (Steve) K. Bowman, age 74, CPO, U.S. Navy Retired, of Corrales. Steve was born June 5,1949 in Sacramento, CA. He has climbed up to the signal bridge one last time.

Steve passed away on April 16, 2024 surrounded by his wife of 41 years, Lorraine Leftwich of Corrales, his daughters Drew Bowman of Albuquerque and Leslie Bowman of Corrales, and his darling dog Liza Jean. He leaves behind a legacy of laughter, music, and fiercely protecting one's curiosity of the world around us.

He is predeceased by his mother Jess L. Keegan, father Col. Sam W. Bowman Jr., USAF, brother James E. Bowman, stepmother Kathlyn (Ki) Bowman, and stepfather Lt. Col. Robert E. Keegan, USAF.

In addition to his wife and daughters, he is survived by his brother Sam W. Bowman III of St. Charles, MO, cousins Jeanette Brahl and Jack Kirby, of Cedar Crest and Las Cruces, respectively, and many nieces and nephews.

Steve's family settled in Corrales in 1960. He attended Sandoval School (now Corrales Elementary), Taft Junior High, and graduated from Alamogordo High School. Upon winning the 1969 draft lottery during the Vietnam war, he joined the Navy to see the world. He served two years aboard the USS Bordelon, returning to complete a degree in Journalism and English at UNM.

Steve rejoined the Navy and completed 20 years of service; he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal for Vietnam and Desert Storm. He served at the Naval and Marine Reserve Center in Albuquerque, on the USS Estocin and the USS Valdez in New England, and in Mobile Inshore Undersea Warfare Units at Fort Dix, NJ and NAS Dallas. His overseas duty ports of call included Chile, the Philippines, Diego Garcia, South Korea, Japan, and Kuwait.

After several years working as a surveyor across New Mexico, he attended UNM School of Law and completed his JD in 1981, serving on the Natural Resources Journal during his studies. He practiced law in various capacities in the Middle Rio Grande Valley, until 1986 when he moved to Connecticut as a following spouse. When the opportunity arose to leave behind East Coast corporate life, endless fall leaves, and shoveling of snow drifts, Steve and family moved back to Corrales in 1999 after a brief stopover in Texas. He established his office next door to the school he attended as a child.

Living with his family in Corrales, he became one of its many characters. He established Bowman Farms and was a fixture at the Corrales Growers Market. The lines were long and early in front of his stand. He was known for selling his signature tomatoes, onions, French radishes, Silver Queen corn, elephant garlic, and okra with a kind and generous demeanor. He enjoyed talking with everyone as much as he enjoyed tending his rows at home, where he cultivated beautiful roses, having honed his skills in high school working for Mr. Botnerby, a rose specialist from Norway.

Steve devoted his time to many volunteer activities that were close to his heart. He served on the board of the Corrales Growers Market, as Post Commander of American Legion 118, and at Boys State in Portales for many years. Steve helped then Corrales Mayor Gary Kanin in the effort to change the Bernalillo County line so all of Corrales would be in Sandoval County. He donated his expertise to the cause, which was approved through referendum by Bernalillo county voters and the change was effective January 1, 2005.

An avid hunter, fisherman, backpacker, cross-country skier, golfer, climber of Fourteeners, traveler, and marathoner, he was also an accomplished guitar player and sweet singer. Steve's rendition of Hank Snow's "I've Been Everywhere," with his original penned verse about his beloved New Mexico, is the most memorable of his repertoire. Like Hank Snow, he was always road trip ready.

Steve was a great storyteller, a renowned prankster, a teller of tales, and a devoted father. He loved taking his daughters trick or treating on Halloween in full costume, as the frivolous spirit of the holiday spoke to his mischievous nature. And he never stopped seeing the world, from Paris to Australia to Hawaii, traveling with his family to experience new cultures.

We honor Steve as a man of duty in service to his country. We remember his commitment to community, and as one who loved his family and friends. He wanted his friends and family to know how much you enriched his life.

We would like to thank Harmony Hospice for caring for Steve with dignity and respect during these difficult last days.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that remembrances be made in the form of contributions to Paws and Stripes of New Mexico: https://www.pawsandstripes.org/.

Steve will be buried in Santa Fe National Cemetery with full military honors on May 3, 2024 at 10AM. His memorial service will take place May 4, 2024 at 10AM at St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 431 Richmond Place NE. Albuquerque, NM 87106.