Delano (Del) P.E. Bowman, 78, of Bemidji, Minnesota, formerly of Texas died Tuesday August 14, 2012 at Havenwood Care Center in Bemidji. Del was born February 2, 1934 in Medina, Texas, the son of Clinton and Blanche (Akin) Bowman.

He graduated from Howard Payne University with a BS degree in Pastoral Studies and a minor in Agriculture Science. He married Jo Etta Whatley on August 15, 1959 in South Houston, Texas.

Del wore many hats - rancher, trick roper, preacher, veterinary technician and evangelist of the Christian faith. But the hat for which Del is remembered the most is that of the cowboy, representing a way of life which he and Jo Etta embraced and cherished for their entire 53 years together. Del spread the gospel in the unique way of trick roping while giving a sermon, preaching God’s message of love across the USA in many churches and venues for over 50 years.

He is survived by his wife, Jo Etta Bowman of Bemidji; son Cody Bowman and significant other Pinja Ravattinen of Dallas; daughter Tandy Bowman and partner Cathy Perry of Bemidji, Minnesota; brother Tyra Bowman and wife Patricia of Dolores, Colorado; two sisters-in-law, Emily Bowman of Houston and Barbara Wallace of New Jersey; three grandchildren, Samantha Bowman Hammonds, Marshall Bowman, Skylar Bowman and five great-grandchildren. Del was preceded in death by his parents and brother Coy Bowman.

Visitation is Friday, August 24, 2012 from 2 – 8 p.m. with the family present from 3 – 5 p.m., at Hurley Funeral Home in Pleasanton. Funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. this Saturday, August 25, 2012 at Hurley Funeral Home. Interment will follow in Medina, at the Oak Crest Cemetery at 5:30 p.m.

Please send memorials to Servant Hearts, Del Bowman Book Project, P.O. Box 1116, Bemidji, MN 56619. Anyone wishing to sign the guestbook, share memories or issue condolences may do so at www.hurleyfuneralhome.com.