Terry Bowen

Terence Leigh "Terry" Bowen, age 83, of West, passed away Saturday afternoon, September 26, 2026 from injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident near West.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Terry was born in Lafayette, Indiana, on September 28, 1942. Terry was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great‑grandfather, brother, and friend, Terry never met a stranger - only future friends with stories waiting to happen. Terry was the son of Charles and Helen (Thoma) Bowen. His early years started at Little Flower Elementary School, followed by his graduation from Central Catholic High School in San Antonio. In 1962, Terry completed his education by earning a Bachelor of Science degree from Texas A&I College at Kingsville, where he was proud to be a member of the rodeo team. That experience began a lifelong connection to the sport he loved. On August 31, 1963, Terry married his soulmate, Elaine Rakowitz, in Las Gallinas, Texas, embarking on a journey of love that would last a lifetime.

Terry dedicated many years to serving as a DEA agent across Texas and California, approaching his work with commitment and integrity. He believed in doing things the right way and giving his best to the people he served. Beyond the badge, Terry's heart belonged to rodeo. He was a committed and active member of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association. Over the course of forty-two years, he showcased his talents as a bareback rider and rodeo clown, leaving his mark in twenty different states and Canada. He was also a Gold Card Holder in the PRCA, a testament to his dedication and enduring love for the sport. Terry contributed to rodeo not only as a participant, but also through leadership roles on various boards, including the Rodeo Clown Bullfighters Association and the Texas Rodeo Cowboys Hall of Fame. He gave his time, experience, and passion to a sport that had given him so many friendships, adventures, and memories.

Outside of the arena, Terry enjoyed welding, crafting BBQ pits, and feeding many with his brisket and sausage from The Feed Store. "T-Texas" Terry's cowboy spirit will forever be remembered in the hearts of those he touched. He lived a life full of love, adventure, hard work, and plenty of good stories, and he leaves behind a family and community who will carry those stories with them for years to come.

Terry is preceded in death by his parents; and brothers, Dennis and Duffy Bowen.

Terry's loved ones include his beloved spouse of 63 years, Elaine Bowen of West; his children, Raine Radicke and husband Wayne, of Fort Worth, Daryl Bowen and wife Kimberly, of Plano, and Sara Sulak and husband Brian, of Aquilla; his grandchildren, Kathryn Vanderburg and husband Matt, Matthew Radicke and wife Angel, Strone Sulak, and Sylee Sulak; great grandchildren, Macy Vanderburg, Mattux Vanderburg, Mylee Vanderburg, and Alexander Radicke; sisters, Deidre Dressen and husband Donnie, and Carla Hollis; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Terry Bowen's name to Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund https://www.justincowboycrisisfund.org.