Bobby "Bob" Charles Gowens

Bobby “Bob” Charles Gowens, of Norman, passed from this life on February 21, 2021, at the age of 78.  He was born July 31, 1942, in Purcell, Oklahoma, to RC & Anna Frank (Cleveland) Gowens. 

Bob enjoyed fishing in his boat slip at Lake Thunderbird.  He also enjoyed bike riding, gardening, and cooking.  Bob was known for his homemade salsa, guacamole, and margaritas – and his wife, Elsie said he made the best.  He also liked stir-fry and he made the best BBQ ribs.  Bob enjoyed grilling burgers and steaks and hosting fish fries. He was an excellent host and enjoyed entertaining family and friends on his patio.  Bob was referred to by his friends as “the social chair” and “travel planner.” 

He was also known for being a prankster.  He was a huge fan of the University of Oklahoma football and the Oklahoma City Thunder.  Bob was a big supporter and follower of the OU wrestling team and he and Elsie followed the wrestling team to several of their matches.  He hosted watch parties for the OU football team.  Bob and Elsie enjoyed taking road trips, traveling, and going on cruises.  They enjoyed just riding around together and cruising around Lake Thunderbird.  He enjoyed old classic cars and one of his prized possessions was his 1956 red Chevy.  Bob and Elsie enjoyed boating and socializing with their friends at Lake Thunderbird.  Bob also enjoyed photography.  He was quite the dancer, and he and Elsie could cut a rug from sling dancing to western dancing.  He also enjoyed playing games, card games, dominoes, and moon.  Bob loved people – he never met a stranger and was always willing to help someone in need. 

Bob was born in Purcell, Oklahoma, and was raised in Norman Oklahoma.  He attended Norman High School and was a member of the graduating Class of 1960.  Bob wrestled on the Norman High School wrestling team in the 112 lb. weight division.  Elsie said he would have won the state championship, but he ate a bag of Kraft Caramels and still couldn’t make his weight.  Following high school, he went to work for Dorsett Electronics, and then his father-in-law taught him the plumbing trade. 

In 1972, he founded Bob’s Plumbing which has been in operation in Norman for 49 years.  Together he and Elsie started the business out of their home and with one truck.  One of their customers was country singer, Conway Twitty, and that’s when a service call was $16.  Bob would go door-to-door, handing out door flyers to promote his plumbing business.  He was a loving husband, father, brother, uncle, and friend.  His first love was being with Elsie, the love of his life for 58 years, spending time with his son, Rob, and his daughter, Tammie. 

Bob is survived by his beloved wife, Elsie Gowens, of the home; his son, Rob Gowens, of Norman; and his daughter, Tammie Gowens, of Norman; and many other family members and a host of friends.  He is preceded in death by his parents, RC & Anna Gowens; 1 brother, Tommy Gowens; and an infant son, Jackie Ray Gowens. 

Visitation for Bob will be held from 4:00 PM to 8:30 PM, Tuesday, February 23, 2021, and from 9:00 AM to 8:30 PM, Wednesday, February 24, 2021, at the John M. Ireland Funeral Home & Chapel, located at 120 South Broadway, in Moore, Oklahoma.  Funeral Services to celebrate his life will be held at 1:00 PM, Thursday, February 25, 2021, at CrossPointe Church, located at 2601 24th Ave. SE, in Norman, Oklahoma.  He will be laid to rest at Hillside Cemetery, in Purcell, Oklahoma.  Services are under the direction of the John M. Ireland Funeral Home & Chapel. 

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