Byron L. Bowman (affectionately known as Bo), 86, of Lawton, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully on the evening of Saturday, March 22, 2025, after a two-year courageous battle with cancer. His wife Sylvia and daughter Tami were at his side. Born May 11, 1938, in Kansas City, Missouri, Byron was the son of Edward and Irene Bowman, and the twin brother of Alfred (Gene) Eugene Bowman. Byron enjoyed his childhood years, especially those spent with his older brother Ed and twin brother Gene. His youth included bicycle adventures, baseball, Boy Scouts, fishing, camping, teenage shenanigans, and fast cars.

Byron attended Stanley Rural High School in Stanley, Kansas. Upon leaving high school, Byron joined the United States Air Force (USAF) in 1956. He graduated from the USAF Basic Electronics Training Course in October 1956 and served as an Electronics Instructor at Keesler AFB in Biloxi, Mississippi, until 1960.

In 1958, he married Nancy Mae Hughes in Ocean Springs, Mississippi. From their marriage of 17 years, they had four precious children: Steven (1959), Tamara (1961), Mark (1962), and Eugene (1966).

In 1960, Byron, Nancy, and their first son relocated to Lawton, Oklahoma. Byron was baptized at the First Presbyterian Church in Lawton in 1960. One of Byron's saddest moments was the loss of his twin brother in 1960.

Byron dedicated 32 years of service in civilian employment with the Communications Electronics Department at the Army Field Artillery School, Fort Sill, Oklahoma, from 1961-1993. His excellent work and distinctive service earned him many awards before he retired in 1993.

Byron married Sylvia Normand in 1975, and with that union came two young girls, Michelle Normand (1971) and Christine Normand (1973), who later produced grandchildren Justin Durham and Claudia Normand, whom he lovingly guided.

Byron had an impressive and extensive community service record. He was part of a network of citizen band radio enthusiasts that assisted the county sheriff's department during special events and even some rescue operations at the Wichita Mountain Wildlife Refuge. Byron volunteered on the Fort Sill Federal Credit Union board of directors for several terms. He aided in the construction of Kid's Zone at Lawton Greer Park. Byron spent many weekends with his family undertaking construction, sound, and light design projects at the Lawton Community Theater. He got a thrill engaging with some of Lawton's great acting talents, including Kip Niven, Candice Earley, and Jan Stratton, while also putting his skills to use.

Byron's most lengthy commitment to service was with AARP as a tax aide volunteer, liaison, instructor, and director. This 30-year commitment sadly ended this year due to his progressing cancer. His hard work and dedicated service earned him recognition as AARP Oklahoma State Volunteer of the Year more than once. He was passionate about his service to the Lawton-Fort Sill community and continues to inspire others.

Byron was devoted to his family and friends. He could be seen cheering for his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren at most every competition, sports event, ballet recital, community or school play, graduation, or other life events. He created lasting memories throughout his life with various camping and fishing trips, family reunions, weddings, and world travels. Bo's last adventure, his "Great Mississippi River Road Trip," was with his wife Sylvia, brother Ed, and Ed's soulmate Joyce in September 2024.

If a family member or special friend had a home project, an electronic issue, a tax problem, or an emergency—including a large black bear encounter—he was the first to render support. Older brother Ed would never start any construction project or try to solve any computer issue without first consulting his brother Bo. Byron stayed up to date with the times and was always learning and teaching others. He took pleasure in bird watching, yard work, and watching TV sports.

Byron is survived by his wife Sylvia; his children Steven L. Bowman, wife Martha, Claremore, Oklahoma; Tamara Spencer, husband Billy, Bulverde, Texas; Mark Bowman, wife Linda, Middleburg, Florida; Eugene Bowman, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Michelle Normand,  husband Julian Robertson, Lawton, Oklahoma; Christine Normand-Durham, husband Brian Johnson, Guthrie, Oklahoma; and many cherished grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. He is also survived by his brother Edward Bowman, his soulmate Joyce Oldenburg of Lenexa, Kansas; and his sister Bonnie Griffith, husband Jack, Cockeysville, Maryland. Byron was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Irene Bowman; his twin brother Alfred Eugene Bowman; his sisters Katherine Connor and Susie Lee; his sister-in-law Joan Bowman; and his granddaughter Brittney Newton.

A celebration of Byron's life is scheduled for 11 a.m. on Monday, March 31, 2025, at Becker-Rabon Funeral Home Chapel, Lawton, Oklahoma. An honored veteran burial will follow at Fort Sill National Cemetery.

The service may be viewed by following the livestream link at www.beckerfuneral.com or by visiting the Becker-Rabon Funeral Home Facebook page.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Comanche County Memorial Hospital Hospice at 3126 NW Arlington, Lawton, Oklahoma. The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at CCMH Hospice and Cancer Centers of Southwest Oklahoma for their love, care, and commitment to Byron.

An online guest book and sympathy cards are available at www.beckerfuneral.com