Orlin Wayne Bowman was born September 9, 1935, in Vici, Oklahoma, to William Roy and Eva Annis (Shaw) Bowman. He passed from this life on August 22, 2009 after a tractor accident on the family farm. Orlin was 73 years old.

Orlin grew up in the Vici and Harmon communities and attended school in Vici and Arnett. Orlin joined the United States Army in 1955 and served his country proudly for two years. While in the Army, he received the rank of Specialist 3rd Class and was honorably discharged. Orlin married Travis Leland Rasco in Pampa, Texas on April 15, 1961. This union was blessed with four children, Melody, Arnita, William and Gayla. The family first made their home in Woodward. Orlin and Travis purchased the Bowman family farm from Orlin's mother in 1972, and then moved to the farm in 1973. Orlin was a weekend farmer and continued to work in the oil field until 1976. He then left the oil field and has been a full-time farmer ever since.

The family was involved in the Arnett 4-H and FFA, and Orlin received an Honorary Chapter FFA Degree from the Arnett Chapter. Orlin was also the poultry and rabbit superintendent at the Ellis County Fair for many years.

Orlin loved farming and raising cattle and was obsessed with cutting firewood. His faithful dogs were always with him on the farm. His farm zoo included goats, sheep, horses, pigs, chickens, peacocks, turkeys, guineas, ducks, geese, pigeons, donkeys, deer, quail, wild boars, etc. His menagerie of animals often graced the local animal petting events. He carried on the Bowman family tradition and for over 35 years hand-milked Jersey cows and often goats. He was also exceptional at planning, planting and picking huge gardens and orchards but tried to leave the hoeing to the rest of the family. Homemade pineapple ice cream, oven-fresh cherry pie, and home-raised watermelon in the shade were his absolute favorites.

Orlin beamed with pride over his grandchildren and definitely enjoyed sharing farm adventures and games with them: Matthew Thorn, wife Kelly, and great-granddaughter Kylie; Michelle Spray and husband Bradley; Tiffany, Kyle, and Kendall Bowman; and Brianna Marenco. Tony Rasco and Robert Kelly also spent many days and adventures on the farm as children. The Bowmans also loved hosting reunions and sharing the farm with other family and friends. Orlin and Travis were also blessed with neighbors who were always available to lend a needed hand.

Orlin was preceded in death by his parents, William and Eva Bowman; brothers, Wilmer and Glenn Bowman; and sisters, Hazel McAlary and Francis Valescu. He is survived by his loving wife, Travis Bowman; three daughters, Melody Thorn and husband Donny of Woodward; Arnita Bowman of San Bruno, California; and Gayla Bowman of Harmon; son, William Bowman of Tulsa; sisters, Claretta Shaw of Dumas, Texas; Verla Watts of Vici, and Eva Seely of Plainview, Texas; brothers, Gerald Bowman and wife Robin of Mooreland; and Mervin Bowman of Vici; six grandchildren; one great-grandchild; other family; and many dear friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to the Harmon Volunteer Fire Department or Vassar Cemetery.