Robert Wayne 'Bob' Bowker, age 65, of Oral/Smithwick, SD, passed away Tuesday, September 21, 2010, at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Hot Springs, following the most wonderful care by the VA doctors and nurses.

Bob was born November 9, 1944, in Hot Springs to Lyle and Marie (Perreault) Bowker, one of six sons. He grew up in the Oral/Smithwick area and attended the two room Smithwick School. Bob graduated from Oelrichs High School in 1963. Following graduation, Bob joined the United States Army in 1963 including a tour in Germany, and was honorably discharged in 1966. Bob retired from the Burlington Northern Railroad in 1998 after twenty-three years of service including being a "gandi dancer", brakeman and conductor.

Bob lived in his home on the Bowker Ranch nearly his entire life where he loved tending his large watermelon, squash and pumpkin patch and annually donating Halloween pumpkins to the Oelrichs school children. Bob participated in nearly every sport or game known to man. He was the Hot Springs City League pool champion and placed in the National horseshoe tournament in Colorado. He loved darts, bowling, Jeff Gordon racing, Texas hold'em tournaments at Prairie Winds and played on the Hot Springs baseball "town team". He especially loved the fall and annual deer hunts with his five brothers, nieces, nephews and long time friends. Bob had many great childhood, school, sports, railroad, and casino friends. He loved everyone's children and shared his home with his brother's and friends who fell on hard times.

Bob is survived by his step-son, Billy Pullins of Sioux Falls, SD; step-daughters, Mellisa Pullins of Custer, SD; Jessica Pullins of Lewiston, ID; brothers, Dennis (Meta) Bowker of Hot Springs; Gary (Dixie) Bowker of Lakewood, CO; Steve Bowker of Big Piney, WY; one aunt, Jody Bowker of CA; and many special nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Bob is preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Donald and Gene.

Memorial services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, September 27, 2010 at McColley's Chapel of the Hills in Hot Springs with Dr. J. Edwin Coates officiating.

Interment will be held at Black Hills National Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established in Bob's name to benefit the Prairie View United Methodist Church in Smithwick, SD.

Arrangements have been placed in the care of McColley's Chapel of the Hills in Hot Springs. Written condolences can be made at www.mccolleyschapels.com.