Wendell was born March 12, 1932 in Newkirk, Oklahoma to John & Mary Bowman. He graduated from Newkirk High School in 1952, where he had played football. Shortly thereafter, and over his parents objections, he enlisted in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, serving three years. After being honorably discharged, Wendell attended Arkansas City Junior College, where he obtained his Associates Degree. He then went to work at Boeing in Kansas. One day, while Wendell was back in Newkirk visiting friends and family, Wendell spotted a beautiful young lady crossing the street in front of his car. He gave her a friendly honk. He then searched out a way to find her name and a way to contact her (which wasn’t too hard in such a small town). That lady was Betty Waltimyer, and he called to ask her for a date. When she told him to call the next day for her answer, he chose to show up at her workplace in person. His persistence paid off and that date eventually turned into a marriage on April 30, 1961. They moved to Oklahoma City in November, 1961 because Wendell had accepted a position with Tinker Air Force Base. Wendell dedicated 32 years to Tinker, working as an aircraft electrician, and retired in 1993. Wendell & Betty enjoyed 58 years of marriage and were blessed with three children, Jill, Eric and Jana. Wendell taught his children a tremendous work ethic and exhibited the very definition of loyalty and commitment throughout his life. Wendell was devoted to his Christian faith. He was prayerful and loved to listen to preaching and good gospel music. He also loved to travel with his family, with favorite destinations being Colorado and Florida. Wendell would always drive the family, while Betty would navigate with an actual map! Wendell loved the University of Oklahoma, especially OU football. He and Betty blessed their children with degrees from OU. He loved his family, especially his six grandchildren, Ryan, Mady, Kylie, Chase, Janson and JJ. Wendell’s legacy will live on. He will be deeply missed, but the family has much peace knowing they will see him again.

Wendell was preceded in death by: His Parents, John & Mary Bowman; Infant Brother, John Bowman, Jr.; Brother, Harold Dean Bowman; and Brother, Phillip Bowman.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Betty Bowman; daughter, Jill Tweed; son, Eric Bowman & wife Jessie; daughter, Jana Leonard & husband Jason; and 6 Grandchildren, Ryan & Kylie Tweed, Mady & Chase Bowman, Janson & JJ Leonard.