Leslie Chronister

Monday, June 19, 2023

Mrs. Bowman and Clark - my heart hurts so much for you in this huge loss. I pray that God will bless you with an abundance of peace, comfort, love, and strength to soothe your aching hearts. One the most impactful blessings in my life has been Mr. Bowman's friendship and mentorship - I have treasured and cherished these for so many years now, and I always will. He was genuinely kind, compassionate, gentle, present, encouraging, and delightful (a true embodiment of that word, which I associate with him every time I hear or say it!), not to mention a truly, truly gifted artist and phenomenal teacher, friend, and human being. It was always a true JOY to get to spend time visiting with him, and I learned so much from him that I carry with me every single day. It is clear from reading the messages that others have shared here that he made this kind of lasting impact on SO MANY others as well. What a blessing it is that we all have these memories to cherish. May God bless you and comfort you in every way.

Dan Trevathan

Friday, June 9, 2023

Learned of Roger’s passing today. Was a close friend for many years thru our graduation from Jonesboro High School. Mrs. Bowman was our Cub Scott leader while we were students at East Elementary in Jonesboro. I provided a ride to school for myself and Roger for a good deal of our high school years. I have many wonderful memories of Roger and his family as we grew up on either side of elementary school. He was a talented artist and musician as a teen and his success as an artist and a teacher is no surprise. Many well wishes for those who were influenced by Roger. Please carry on in a way that would make him proud.

Robert Kennedy

Wednesday, June 7, 2023

I found out about Mr. Bowman's passing by reading the obituary of another dear mentor.
Mr. Bowman's passing brings me great sorrow.

Fortunately, I last encountered Mr. Bowman at the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts. Even though he had just retired from teaching, he did not rest from pursuing his love of art.

Mr. Bowman was my teacher and mentor at UCA in the mid-90s. In class, his observations encouraged and validated my pursuit of a Fine Arts degree. I can only begin to fathom how many students he encouraged to live their truth and develop their creative talent in the face of many common obstacles. Mr. Bowman was an excellent instructor with the patience and demeanor worthy of sainthood.

Dr. Bowman, you will be missed.

Julie (Carpenter) Isom

Sunday, June 4, 2023

So so sad to hear Mr Bowman passed. He was so wonderful. I truly feel that all of us who were in the art department at UCA were very lucky to have such a creative and kind person like him caring for us. He went above and beyond to help so many students. Love and peace to Mr. Bowman’s family and friends.

Brittany Madalone

Sunday, June 4, 2023

One of my most favorite teachers/professors ever was Mr. Roger Bowman. During my 6 years at UCA, Mr. Bowman and I grew very close and he was almost like a father or grandpa figure to me in college. I had my own studio in his classroom and had several independent studies with him. Everyone that met him would tell you just how KIND, encouraging, and creative he was. He gave me a lovely tree drawing for inspiration because I loved his line work and his style. I keep this drawing hanging in my house to remind me of the amazing impression he left in my life. He has inspired my artwork incredibly. He is missed. He was such an amazing human being! I love you so much, Mr. Bowman. Rest in peace

Sandra Hopper

Friday, June 2, 2023

I met Dr. Bowman through the UCA library. He was always friendly and willing to have a conversation. I am so sorry to hear of his passing.

Keith Melton

Friday, June 2, 2023

Reading the above memories from the names i know-- Maxine, Mr. Massey, Amanda, Lyn it is clear that he was able in his life to treat people in a way (rivaled only by my grandmother), that you were seen and listened to, had your best interests, happiness(!) and success at heart. I suppose we all thought we were the lucky ones to have someone like Roger in our corner-- but to see his gift distributed so perfectly to these creative, talented people (who have careers in the arts)- the ripple he created, it's limitless.

Lee A Schwager

Thursday, June 1, 2023

Jima and Clark, I am so so sorry to hear this. Know that I am thinking of you and praying for your family. Lee Schwager

Donna Lampkin Stephens

Thursday, June 1, 2023

I am very sorry to hear this. As I teach Journalism at UCA, I didn’t know Roger well, but he was always so kind and friendly. The previous comments by those who knew him better than I sum up my impression of him perfectly. And Gina, I had not put you two together until reading his obit. I was a sportswriter at the Arkansas Gazette when you were our go-to person at ASU. My deepest condolences.💜

Carla Grant

Thursday, June 1, 2023

❤

Chip Lindley

Thursday, June 1, 2023

Roger was my best friend, and drummer from 1965-1969. By the end of college at ASU, Jonesboro, AR, Roger quit music to devote full energies to his art! After his graduation, I lost track of him. My condolences and friendship to wife Jima, and all family.

Suzanne Loerch

Monday, May 29, 2023

What a beautiful tribute to Roger, acknowledging both the person and his art -- inseparable as with any true artist. Our thoughts are with you and your family, Jima. We will miss meeting you and Roger on our walks in the trail.

Jean and Terry Kearns

Sunday, May 28, 2023

Barbara Clancy

Saturday, May 27, 2023

What a lovely obituary - so fitting for such a lovely man. Roger was a sweet neighbor and a fellow walker on Tucker Creek trail. I will miss seeing him. No matter the weather, running into him and Jima always made the day happier and brighter. I'm so very sorry Jima and Clark.

Amanda Linn

Friday, May 26, 2023

When I was an art education major in the UCA art department, I struggled to feel like I was also taken seriously as an artist. Mr. Bowman told me he loved being a teacher because when he felt like doing his own art he could and when he didn’t feel inspired to create his own art he was always inspired by the students. I’ve carried that with me and shared it with many of my own students over the years. He was a kind soul, always encouraging, always willing to help a student. On more than one occasion he arrived at class and told us he was worn out from building a pillow fort with Clark. Sending wishes of comfort and peace to his family and all who knew him.

Gloria Westmorlan

Friday, May 26, 2023

Jima, I’m so sorry for your loss! From what I have been reading, he must have been a kind and talented person. I’m so glad I got to meet him at our class reunion. Praying for comfort for you and your family.

Gregory Clark

Friday, May 26, 2023

I will miss my Uncle Roger, he was such a kind, gentle and talented man. Much love to all of the family during this difficult time.

Casserandia Crouch

Thursday, May 25, 2023

What wonderful tributes to Roger. As a teacher/prof he touched and influenced so many peoples lives. Teachers are so undervalued by our society. But I know he wasn't undervalued by his family. I'm sorry that his loss leaves such a hole in your family life. Love and peace to you, Jimi.

Tanya and Sam Buchanan

Thursday, May 25, 2023

Julie Turner

Thursday, May 25, 2023

Jima, Clark, and family-I’m so sorry for your loss. Keeping you in my thoughts! Big hugs!

Karen Arnold

Thursday, May 25, 2023

Gina and family so sorry to hear of Roger passing. Prayers for you and your family during this time.

Mary Catherine Flanagin Glover

Wednesday, May 24, 2023

Jima, Clark and family- I’m so sorry about Roger! Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers! ❤️🙏🏻

Sylvia Childers

Wednesday, May 24, 2023

Jima and Clark I am s sorry to learn of Roger’s passing! You have my prayers and heart felt condolences. Ken and Sylvia

Maxine N Payne

Wednesday, May 24, 2023

In the spring semester of 1989, I was a first generation, parentless, insecure, ill prepared, financially destitute freshman at UCA. I signed up for art classes and by some kind of graciousness from the universe met Mr. Bowman. UCA didn’t offer photography classes in the art department, but he had the foresight to recognize that the camera might be the tool I needed to express the struggles I had between how I was raised and who I wanted to become. He loaned me his personal Pentax K1000 and helped me construct a makeshift darkroom in the attic of McAlister Hall. After a semester, I saved enough money to go to Olsen’s Camera shop downtown and get my own Pentax K1000 which my adult daughter uses now. I followed Mr. Bowman’s advice when I was considering where to go for graduate school and went to his alma mater, The University of Iowa. I have been teaching college level photography for twenty-six years, and while that isn’t anything extraordinary, my life could have taken a much harder turn. Over the course of my career people have asked me how I got to where I am (a common question) and for all these years I have said, there was this one generous, kind, incredible human being who put his faith in me at the most critical time in my life. I will hold him close to my heart forever.

Bryan W. Massey, Sr.

Wednesday, May 24, 2023

Roger was a few years older than I, but we both started our collegiate careers at the University of Central Arkansas at the same time. It was August 15, 1988. I was fresh out of Graduate School (LSU) and he was coming from a small college to UCA.

We were both quiet, but we seemed to connect. I relied on his previous years of college teaching experience to help guide me through my first year. He was always ready to lend a helping hand or a listening ear. He had a soft voice to go along with his soft heart. A heck of an artist, printmaker, colleague, and I was glad that our paths crossed, and to call him a friend. No matter where I saw him and Jima, he was always the same. Rest in peace Professor Bowman!🙏🏽

Mike and Carol Hambuchen

Wednesday, May 24, 2023

Words cannot express our sorrow at the passing of Roger. His kind and gentle demeanor was an inspiration to us all, as well as his incredible creativity and artistic talent. But most of all, he was a wonderful Pepaw to his beautiful granddaughter Greta. It was an honor to know him.

Carol and Mike

Mike and Carol Hambuchen

Wednesday, May 24, 2023

Words cannot express our sorrow at the passing of Roger. His kind and gentle demeanor was an inspiration to us all, as well as his incredible creativity and artistic talent. But most of all, he was a wonderful Pepaw to his beautiful granddaughter Greta. It was an honor to know him.

Carol and Mike

Gina Bowman

Wednesday, May 24, 2023

I miss my brother. He loved his family, friends and life. Rest in eternal peace Roger.

Lyn Brands

Wednesday, May 24, 2023

Roger took me under his wing when I joined the UCA Department of Art faculty back in '92. He quickly became my mentor and confident for all things UCA. I always tried to sit next to him at department faculty meetings because I got to watch him create these fantastic doodle drawings. Other times, he would sculpt these little creatures out of his grey kneaded eraser.

Beyond that, he was a close friend and a great listener. I've missed him terribly having moved on to another job 20 years ago and I will continue to miss him, his sense of humor, and the way he said 'delightful.' It always brings a smile when I think of it. A kinder soul I've never known. Rest peacefully now, Roger.